Covert Medication Administration: The Practice of Hiding Medications in Long-Term Care Settings

Abstract

Covert medication administration is the purposeful hiding of medications from patients, and the topic receives little attention. Awareness and research regarding this practice is limited to a handful of studies outside of the United States. These studies suggest a larger prevalence than reported and identify significant ethical and legal implications for bedside nurses. A review of the literature, discussion of prevalence, contributing factors, and potential consequences of this practice build the foundation for practice recommendations and suggestions for future research. In addition to recommendations for nurses regarding covert medication administration, additional research and exploration of this issue in the United States are proposed.