Which action can help reduce medication errors in a clinical setting?

Timely medication reconciliation is a critical process in reducing medication errors within a clinical setting. This practice involves reviewing and verifying a patient's medication list during transitions of care, such as hospital admission, transfer between units, or discharge. It ensures that all medications the patient is taking—including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and those prescribed by other healthcare providers—are accurately accounted for.

When performed systematically, medication reconciliation helps identify discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions. By confirming that the medication therapy aligns with the patient's current treatment needs, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of administering incorrect medications and enhance overall patient safety.

Timely medication reconciliation is supported by evidence-based practices and is a recommended standard in healthcare agencies and institutions, playing an essential role in maintaining the accuracy of medication administration and improving patient outcomes.