With an increasingly elderly population and the incidence of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease on the rise, covert administration of medicines is a subject that pharmacists are increasingly being asked to advise on. Enquiries may originate from healthcare professionals, care staff, carers or family members. In order to provide accurate and appropriate advice it is important that pharmacists and technicians understand the legal, professional and pharmaceutical implications of covert administration of medication.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Explain what is meant by covert administration of medicines
• Discuss why covert administration may be necessary
• Explain the legal and ethical implications of covert administration
• Suggest suitable alternative options to covert administration
• Advise (or seek advice) on appropriate methods of covert administration