The idea of patients self-administering their medication in hospital is not new; it was first cited in literature in 1959. Up to date, there is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of this approach. In this current state of the literature, self-administration of medication in hospital is positioned in the context of the definition of health as proposed by Huber et al. and Orem's self-care deficit theory: first identify the concept of medication self-administration, as well as the prevalence, existing procedures, tools, and proven effects of interventions; then the findings should point the way forward for research, practice, and policy.
Keywords: hospital; medication; nursing; self-administration.