A Prospective Observational Study on Medication Reconciliation: Factors Contributing to Medication Discrepancies

Regular medication reconciliation is a valuable tool for improving patient medication safety by reducing potential medication errors. By systematically comparing a patient’s medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking, healthcare providers can ensure accuracy and prevent harmful discrepancies. The Objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with medication discrepancies and understand their impact on patient safety. It was a prospective observational study on medication reconciliation was conducted over 6 months in a tertiary care hospital. Medication discrepancies were identified by reviewing medical records. The study included all patients aged 18 years and above, aiming to capture a broad and representative patient population. The study included 225 patients (mean age 57.82 years; 132 men, 123 women). A total of 633 discrepancies and 784 comorbidities were identified during admission. The majority of patients (47.84%) had two comorbid conditions, followed by those with three comorbidities (22.74%). Most patients (63.52%) were prescribed 1-5 medications based on their past medication history. Factors associated with unintentional discrepancies included age, past medication history, and comorbidities. In conclusion the findings reveal a significant prevalence of medication discrepancies, particularly among elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and those on polypharmacy. Addressing these discrepancies is crucial for improving patient outcomes, as unintentional medication discrepancies can lead to adverse drug events and compromised patient safety. The study underscores the importance of thorough medication reconciliation processes to mitigate risks and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery.