Medication Reconciliation (MedRec)
What is MedRec?
Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is a formal and structured process that accounts for all of the medications you are currently taking at home, including over-the-counter medications and natural health products.
Why do it?
- To know all of the medications you are taking before you are admitted or before your visit.
- To reduce medication errors (death, re-hospitalization, side effects, prolonged hospitalization).
- To ensure the healthcare professional has all of the accurate information they need to give you appropriate treatment.
- To apply best practices.
How is MedRec done at our facilities?
1- An interview with a healthcare professional
2- Creating an up-to-date list of medications
How can you prepare for a visit?
Questions to ask
Here are five questions to ask about medications when you meet with a physician, nurse, or pharmacist.
- CHANGES TO MY PRESCRIPTIONS
Have any medications been added, stopped or changed, and why?
- CONTINUING MY MEDICATIONS
Which medications do I need to continue taking and why?
- PROPER USE OF MY MEDICATIONS
How should I take medications and for how long?
- MONITORING THE USE OF MY MEDICATIONS
How will I know if my medications are working and what side effects should I watch for?
- FOLLOW-UP TO ADJUST OR STOP MY USE OF MEDICATIONS
Do I need any tests and when should I book my next appointment?
Ask your healthcare professional to review your medications to see if any should be stopped or reduced.
Keep your medical record up-to-date
Remember to include:
- Allergies to medications
- Vitamins and minerals
- Herbal/natural products
- All medications, including non-prescription medications
Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada
How can you help a healthcare professional when talking about medications?
- Bring an up-to-date list of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Know the contact information for your pharmacy
- Know your medication-related allergies and intolerances
Test your knowledge of medication management
Do you know how to manage your medications?
Check out some examples from our different facilities.
Sofia (28 years old) : Douglas Mental Health University Institute
 | She is being followed at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute for an eating disorder. When the doctor took her on as a patient, he did a medication reconciliation (MedRec). Do you know what a MedRec is? 1- YES Answer: MedRec is a formal, structured process that accounts for all of the medications a user is currently taking at home, including over-the-counter medications and natural health products. |
Ève (88 years old) : CHSLD de LaSalle
 | She has been transferred to the CHSLD de LaSalle after a stay in hospital. What information do you think should be included in her transfer file? A) Information about her allergies to medications |
Farrah (33 years old) : Hôpital de LaSalle
 | She goes to the Hôpital de LaSalle to give birth. When she is being admitted, the nurse asks her if she takes any medications and if she is allergic to any medications. Why does the nurse ask that? A) To avoid drug interactions |
Richard (44 years old) : St. Mary’s Hospital Center
 | He went to St. Mary's Hospital Center for knee surgery. When he is being discharged, the surgeon prescribes him antibiotics and pain medication. What questions should Richard ask him about these medications? A) Does he need to stop or modify the dosage of other medications? |
Dorothy (68 years old) : Lakeshore General Hospital
 | She is hospitalized at the Lakeshore General Hospital because of abdominal pain. The physician in the Emergency Department wants to prescribe medications for her to take at home. How can she help this healthcare professional? A) Know the name of her pharmacy |
Mike (17 years old) : West Montreal Readaptation Centre
 | Mike is autistic and receives services at the West Montreal Readaptation Centre. During an appointment with his pediatrician, the doctor adjusts the dosage of Mike’s anxiety medication. He asks the person at the appointment with Mike whether he is still taking all of his other medications. What types of errors could Mike make when taking his medications? A) Taking the same type of medication twice |
Assane (9 years old) : Batshaw Youth and Family Centres
 | He has arrived at a group home following an assessment by the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres. He has Type 2 diabetes and will need to inject himself with insulin. What information will the group home worker need? A) A complete list of his medications |