Medication Reconciliation and Review: Theory, Practice and Evidence

Medication-related problems, including medication error and inappropriate prescribing, are commonly experienced by older people and increase their risk of experiencing medication-related harm, hospitalisation or death. The risk of these hazards is greater at points of care transition than other stages of care. Medication reconciliation and medication review are component processes within a wider medication assessment strategy that seeks to enhance the benefit that patients derive from medication use. This chapter describes the theoretical basis, supporting evidence and practical application of these processes and the interaction between them to optimise medication use.