Mapping the use of covert medication administration: a scoping review protocol

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map and synthesize current literature and policy related to covert medication administration in vulnerable groups across all settings. Introduction: Covert medication administration refers to administrating medication in a disguised way without the knowledge of the person receiving it. This practice occurs among vulnerable groups, including children, people with intellectual disabilities, people experiencing mental ill-health, and among older people, particularly those living with dementia. Given the sensitive nature of this practice, a scoping review can provide insight into how health professionals navigate these challenges and where support or reform is needed. Eligibility criteria: This scoping review will consider primary research studies, evidence synthesis, discussion articles, and policy documents focusing on covert medication administration relating to individuals of any age across various conditions. The context may include hospitals, long-term care settings, nursing homes, residential settings, respite settings, and family home settings. Methods: This review will follow JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A literature search will be conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. A gray literature search will also be performed. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be conducted by 2 reviewers independently. Extracted data will be analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner, with the use of tables, accompanied by a narrative summary describing how the results relate to the review objective and questions. Review registration: OSF https://osf.io/y9z48