Medication reconciliation is one of the most powerful ways to protect patients from harmful errors and improve communication in healthcare. It ensures that every medication a patient is taking — prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements — is documented, compared, and verified during care transitions. When performed consistently, it reduces risks, strengthens care coordination, and empowers patients to play an active role in their treatment. (fb)

Decision-making fatigue is the mental exhaustion that comes from making repeated or complex healthcare choices. This glossary entry helps people recognize the signs, ask grounding questions, and use simple strategies to ease the burden—so care decisions feel clearer and more manageable. (fb)