MEDICATION ERRORS - THE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURY TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS Medication errors are one of the leading causes of injury to hospital patients, and chart reviews reveal that over half of all hospital medication errors occur at the point when patients enter, or move from area to area, within the organization. Experience from hundreds of organizations has shown that poor communication of medical information at such changeover points is responsible for as many as 50% of all medication errors in the hospital and up to 20% of adverse drug events (ADEs). An up-to-date and accurate medication list is essential to ensure safe prescribing in any setting. Medication reconciliation is defined as a formal process of obtaining a complete and accurate list of each patient’s current home medications—including name, dosage, frequency, and route—and comparing the physician’s admission, transfer, and/or discharge orders to that list. Discrepancies are brought to the attention of the physician and, if appropriate, changes are made to the orders. Any resulting changes in orders are documented. The reconciling process has been demonstrated to be a powerful strategy to reduce medication errors as patients move from one level of care to another. Medication reconciliation is a team effort and the team must include the patient. Patients play a vital role in medication reconciliation when they carry a current list of the medications they are taking. Having this information quickly available can help make the reconciliation process more efficient and effective. Many organizations, such as Cumberland Medical Center, are distributing medication cards that can easily be used by clinicians and patients.  For a copy of the medication card go to www.cmcheatlhcare.org. Patients are reminded to bag their medication bottles or bring an accurate medication list for every healthcare visit. For additional information contact Jinger Loggins, Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety at Cumberland Medical Center 931-459-7170.	For additional information contact Jinger Loggins, Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety at Cumberland Medical Center 931-459-7170.