What is the first step that the patient safety team should take after noticing discrepancies in discharge medication lists?

The first step that the patient safety team should take after noticing discrepancies in discharge medication lists is to gather data on the accuracy and timeliness of medication reconciliation. This step is essential for several reasons.

First, collecting data allows the team to assess the scope and severity of the discrepancies observed. Understanding how often and in what ways the discharge medication lists are inaccurate can help in identifying patterns that may need to be addressed.

Second, data-gathering provides a factual basis for future quality improvement initiatives. By having evidence on the current state of medication reconciliation, the team can establish benchmarks for improvement and measure the effectiveness of any interventions implemented later.

This foundational step is necessary before moving on to involve other stakeholders, redistribute responsibilities, or assign accountability, as it ensures that actions taken are guided by a thorough understanding of the underlying issues.