Medication Review During Transitions of Care During Hospital Discharge: A Review of Evidence on Effectiveness in Preventing Medication Errors
Article Type: Review Article
Published on: Year: 2025; Volume: 5; Issue: 3; Page No: 3 – 7
Authors: Nisha Newar*1
, Chitra Mala2, Amaljith AB3
https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20255337
Affiliations: 1Raj Hospital, New Delhi, India.
2Ranchi, Max Hospital, New Delhi, India.
3National Health Misson, Kerala, India
| How to cite this article: Nisha Newar, Chitra Mala, Amaljith AB. Medication Review During Transitions of Care During Hospital Discharge: A Review of Evidence on Effectiveness in preventing Medication Errors. Int J Med Sci and Nurs Res 2025;5(3):3–7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20255337 |
Submitted: 04-July-2025 Revised: 30-July-2025 Accepted: 20-August-2025 Published: 30-September-2025
Abstract
Background: Medication errors remain a major global challenge, particularly during transitions of care such as hospital discharge. Medication review during transitions of care has been recognized as a structured intervention to prevent discrepancies, ensure accuracy in prescriptions, and safeguard continuity of care.
Methods: This review synthesizes global and regional evidence on the effectiveness of reconciliation processes, highlighting their role in reducing medication discrepancies, adverse drug events (ADEs), and hospital readmissions.
Results: It further explores the contribution of healthcare professionals, patient engagement, systemic barriers, technological innovations, and the specific challenges faced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India. Findings consistently demonstrate that structured, pharmacist-led, and multidisciplinary approaches to reconciliation significantly improve patient outcomes, but implementation gaps and resource limitations remain pressing challenges.
Conclusion: The review concludes that institutionalization of reconciliation as a core patient safety strategy, supported by technology and policy frameworks, is essential to reduce preventable harm at discharge.
Keywords: Medication review, transitions of care, hospital discharge, medication errors, adverse drug events, patient safety
Corresponding Author:
Mrs. Nishanewar,
Nursing Supervisor and Quality Nurse,
Raj Hospital,
Super Speciality Hospital,
Rachi, Jharkhand, India.
Email ID: nishanewar98@gmail.com
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