skip to main content

Medication reconciliation transition error — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeMedication reconciliation transition errorUSMLE Step 3

A hospital notes that medication reconciliation errors occur most often when patients transfer from the emergency department to the inpatient ward. Root cause analysis shows that outpatient pharmacy records are not visible to admitting teams. Which of the following is the most appropriate quality improvement measure?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Create an electronic medication history import with pharmacist verification for high-risk admissions

The error is a systems problem at transition of care. A reliable medication-history import plus pharmacist verification for high-risk admissions directly addresses the root cause and reduces dependence on memory.

Reference: AHRQ medication reconciliation and patient safety guidance