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Mapping the use of covert medication administration: a scoping review protocol
Michelle Cleary1,2,3, Cathal Cadogan4, Carmel Doyle1,2,3
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
JBI Evidence Synthesis
|June 10, 2026
Summary
This review maps literature on covert medication administration in vulnerable populations. It highlights challenges and identifies areas for improved support and policy in diverse healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Ethics
- Pharmaceutical Administration
- Vulnerable Populations Research
Background:
- Covert medication administration involves disguising drugs without patient consent, affecting vulnerable groups like children, individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, and the elderly, especially those with dementia.
- The sensitive nature of this practice necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare professionals manage these ethical dilemmas and where systemic improvements are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review to map and synthesize existing literature and policy concerning covert medication administration.
- To identify the scope of practice, ethical considerations, and challenges faced by healthcare professionals when administering medications covertly to vulnerable individuals across various settings.
Main Methods:
- The review will encompass primary research, evidence syntheses, discussion articles, and policy documents on covert medication administration in individuals of all ages and conditions.
- Searches will cover multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science) and gray literature, adhering to JBI scoping review methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, with data analyzed descriptively and presented narratively with tables.
Main Results:
- The review will present a descriptive analysis of the literature and policy landscape regarding covert medication administration.
- Key themes, challenges, and best practices identified in the literature will be synthesized and presented.
Conclusions:
- This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on covert medication administration in vulnerable groups.
- Findings will inform the development of guidelines, training, and policy interventions to support ethical and effective medication practices for vulnerable populations.
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