In what scenarios is a medication reconciliation performed?

Medication reconciliation is a critical process that involves comparing a patient's current medication list to any new medications prescribed or taken. This process is essential for ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of care. The correct scenario for when medication reconciliation should be performed is during initial assessments, reassessments, and transitions of care.

During an initial assessment, healthcare providers gather comprehensive medication information to understand the patient's current treatments. In reassessments, medication reconciliation helps to identify any changes in the patient's health status that may require updates to their medication regimen. Transitions of care, such as moving from hospital to home or different levels of healthcare, present significant risk for medication discrepancies, making reconciliation vital at these points.

The other scenarios do not reflect the standard practices for medication reconciliation. Performing it monthly regardless of changes does not align with best practices, as medication reviews should be triggered by relevant changes in the patient's status or treatment plan. Only conducting reconciliation upon patient request does not ensure the thorough assessment required for patient safety and can lead to oversights. Additionally, limiting it to general check-ups would neglect critical points in patient care, such as those mentioned in the correct choice.