Flow chart for the use of covert medication.

Flow chart for the use of covert medication. - Flowchart Covert administration of medicines within food and drink Covert administration of medicines within food and drink

«Flowchart»

Establish why the patient does not want to take medication

Unable to resolve

Reason estabished and resolved

End

Give medication as normal (not covert)

Is medication essential?

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

DO NOT GIVE

USE ALTERNATIVE

Is there a viable alternative?

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

DO NOT GIVE

Does the patient have mental capacity?

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

DO NOT GIVE

Does attorney agree with giving covert medication?

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

Delay giving.
Consider second opinion or DOLS

Is there agreement at 'Best Interest Meeting'?

Have pharmacy confirmed how to give covertly?

No No

Give medication covertly

DO NOT GIVE: seek alternative preparation

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

Yes

Document and review regularly

^* LPA - covering health and welfare decisions

Is there a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)^*?

Is there a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)^*?

Is there a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)^*?
^* *
Consider any valid or applicable Advance Directive
Yes

Consider any valid or applicable Advance Directive

Yes
Yes Yes
No

No
No No