What is the primary purpose of completing a medication reconciliation during patient transfer?

Completing a medication reconciliation during patient transfer primarily aims to avoid medication discrepancies. This process involves reviewing and comparing a patient's medication orders to ensure that all medications are accurately documented and any changes made during transitions are clear and understood.

Medication discrepancies can lead to adverse drug events, which can have serious implications for patient safety and treatment outcomes. By meticulously reconciling medications, healthcare providers can identify and rectify any inconsistencies, omissions, or duplications that may have occurred as a patient moves between different settings—such as from home to hospital, or from one unit to another. This diligence helps maintain a comprehensive and accurate medication list, which is essential for effective care and management, thereby ensuring continuity and safety in the patient's treatment plan.

While timely medication administration, patient anxiety management, and patient education are important aspects of nursing care, they are not the primary focus of medication reconciliation during patient transfers. The central goal is to prevent errors and ensure the safe administration of medications.