Medikationsabgleich

Medikationsabgleich refers to the systematic process of comparing and reconciling a patient's complete medication regimen across different points of care. This procedure is a critical component of patient safety, aimed at preventing medication errors. Errors often occur during transitions of care, such as when a patient is admitted to a hospital, transferred between departments, or discharged.

The process involves creating a comprehensive and accurate list of all medications a patient is taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, along with correct dosages and frequencies. This current list is then compared against any new medication orders. The goal is to identify and resolve any discrepancies, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions.

A successful Medikationsabgleich requires collaboration between healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. It also relies heavily on patient involvement, as patients or their caregivers are the primary source of information about their home medication regimen. The reconciled list serves as the authoritative medication plan for the subsequent phase of care.

Implementing a standardized Medikationsabgleich has been shown to significantly reduce adverse drug events and improve the quality of care. It is considered a best practice in modern healthcare systems and is increasingly being integrated into clinical routines to enhance patient safety and communication among providers.