Description
Covert medication is the administering of medications to patients without their knowledge or consent and in disguised form – usually by concealing or mixing them into food or drink. A systematic literature review identified eight studies of covert medication, mostly based in nursing homes or psychiatric units, reporting covert medication use in 30-71% of institutions and to 1.5–17% of residents.
Guidelines on the use of covert medication are reviewed, and practical guidance is provided for geriatric medicine specialists. Local policies should be clear to ensure: 1) covert medication is not given to patients with capacity; 2) the multidisciplinary team including pharmacist are involved; 3) the patients’ capacity is assessed, documented and covert medication use agreed using the principles of appropriate legislation.
