What is a potential outcome of improperly managing medication reconciliation?

The potential outcome of improperly managing medication reconciliation is heightened risk of medication errors. Medication reconciliation is a critical process aimed at ensuring that patients receive the correct medications across transitions in care, such as during hospital admission, transfer, or discharge. If this process is not conducted accurately, there can be discrepancies in medication lists, leading to patients receiving the wrong medications, dosages, or instructions. This increases the likelihood of adverse drug events, which can negatively impact patient safety and health outcomes.

In contrast, improved quality of care, increased patient trust, and reduced hospital readmission rates are outcomes typically associated with effective medication reconciliation practices. When done properly, this process can enhance the overall care continuity and support better health management, thereby fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers. Proper medication management is essential in preventing errors and ensuring patient wellbeing.