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The Danish strong analgesic surveillance system
H T Sørensen1, G L Nielsen, S Sabroe
1Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, University of Aarhus.
Danish Medical Bulletin
|December 31, 1997
Summary
The Danish strong analgesic surveillance system precisely tracks prescription data, enabling vital research into the growing use of potent painkillers and their effects. This system enhances public health monitoring and drug safety initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacovigilance
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Increasing legal consumption of strong analgesics necessitates research into consequences.
- Effective surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring drug use trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Danish strong analgesic surveillance system.
- To highlight its capabilities for tracking analgesic consumption and facilitating research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes copies of all prescriptions for strong analgesics purchased at Danish pharmacies.
- System computerized since 1993, operated by Public Health officers.
- Includes personal registration numbers for patients and prescribers for precise identification.
Main Results:
- Enables precise identification of individuals purchasing and prescribing strong analgesics.
- Allows for the description of changes in consumption patterns over time.
- Facilitates reliable record linkage with other Danish population-based data sources.
Conclusions:
- The Danish strong analgesic surveillance system is a robust tool for monitoring drug use.
- Its design supports detailed analysis of analgesic consumption and related public health issues.
- The system's strengths lie in its precision, longitudinal tracking, and data linkage capabilities.