International Poison Information Center data collection capabilities

Hundreds of poison information centers are in operation throughout the world. Their common objective is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with accidental and intentional poisoning exposures. However, there is little information available which describes the impact of the centers on the outcome of poisonings or on poisoning trends. The objective of this project was to determine the data collection capabilities of poison information centers outside of the US with a goal of ascertaining whether a common database existed and if an international database of poisoning exposures could be developed. A survey was developed which requested information on the specific instrument used to document poisoning exposures, how that information was compiled, whether it was available in a computer database, the type of database, and whether it was available to external agencies and at what cost. The survey was sent to 75 poison information centers outside of the US. The data were compiled and analyzed using Paradox 3.5. Twenty-four of the 75 poison information centers completed and returned the surveys. Four of the 24 had no computer capabilities and only 9 centers indicated a willingness to share data. The majority of the databases were in a DOS format, but no consistent type of database software was used. If the sample that responded to the survey is representative of the international poison information center community, there is neither a common data collection instrument nor a common toxic exposure surveillance system which can be used to identify poisoning trends or to track the outcome of poisonings. A concerted effort to create a universal database on poisoning exposures should be considered.