What is the purpose of medication reconciliation?

The purpose of medication reconciliation is to ensure an accurate understanding of a patient's medications. This process involves comparing the medication a patient is currently taking with what is being prescribed or recommended in a healthcare setting. It aims to prevent medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, or interactions, which can adversely affect patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

By clearly understanding a patient's complete medication history, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding medication adjustments, address any discrepancies, and improve overall patient care. Medication reconciliation is essential during transitions of care, such as hospital admissions or discharges, where changes in medication may occur.

The other choices focus on changing medication regimens, promoting compliance, or conducting drug trials. While these aspects may be related to the broader context of medication management, they do not capture the primary goal of medication reconciliation, which is to create an accurate and comprehensive understanding of a patient's current medication list to ensure safe and effective treatment.