title: Medication reconciliation: A qualitative analysis of clinicians' perceptions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Medication reconciliation has been at the forefront of national patient safety efforts for nearly a decade, yet health care institutions remain challenged with implementation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this article was to report an analysis of a qualitative study of the experiences of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists with medication management practices, specifically focusing on the practice of medication reconciliation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used focus groups in a qualitative approach to explore participant perceptions about interprofessional communication and adverse drug events. Three focus groups were conducted at each of 3 Veterans Administration hospitals, 1 each for physicians (13), nurses (19), and pharmacists (16). The analysis for this article focused on specific discussions about medication reconciliation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two primary thematic questions emerged from the discussion about medication reconciliation: What does medication reconciliation really mean? Who is actually responsible for the process? Participants from each profession had differing perspectives about the purpose and processes of medication reconciliation. Perceived responsibilities appeared to be influenced by their distinct views regarding the meaning and purpose of medication reconciliation. The pharmacist role emerged as a critical role to assure medication safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Translating the intent of medication reconciliation into effective practice requires acknowledgment of the involved professionals' diverse perspectives on the independent, joint, and overlapping functions of medication management as well as recognizing the limitations of technology.
authors.affiliation: Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. vogelsmeiera@missouri.edu
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vogelsmeier
authors.forename: Ginette A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Pepper
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Oderda
authors.forename: Charlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weir
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017144:Focus Groups; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D059065:Medication Reconciliation; D009726:Nurses; D010595:Pharmacists; D010820:Physicians; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States
keywords: Medication management; Medication reconciliation; Patient safety