What is an example of an adverse event caused by poor medication reconciliation?

An adverse event caused by poor medication reconciliation is best exemplified by hospitalization due to a medication error. Medication reconciliation is a critical process designed to ensure that healthcare providers have an accurate and complete list of a patient's medications across different settings, such as admission, transfer, and discharge. When this process is not properly conducted, it can lead to significant adverse events, including medication errors that may result in hospitalizations.

For instance, if a patient is discharged from the hospital without a thorough review of their medication history or if there is a misunderstanding regarding medication dosages, they may inadvertently take the wrong medication or dosage, leading to adverse outcomes that could necessitate readmission. This highlights the importance of diligent medication reconciliation to prevent such errors and the repercussions they carry for patient safety and health outcomes.

In contrast, improved patient satisfaction, reduced medication errors, and successful discharge planning are all indicators of effective medication reconciliation rather than adverse events. These outcomes reflect the benefits of properly managing a patient's medication regimen, emphasizing the need for accurate and thorough medication profiles in preventing complications.