The Danish strong analgesic surveillance system
Sørensen, H.T.; Nielsen, G.L.; Sabroe, S.; Hamburger, H.
Danish Medical Bulletin 44(5): 539-541
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0907-8916 PMID: 9408739 Document Number: 481768
The legal consumption of strong analgesics is increasing and research addressing the complex consequences of this expansion is needed. We describe the Danish strong analgesic surveillance system comprising copies of all prescriptions of strong analgesics purchased at Danish pharmacies. The system is operated by the Public Health officers and has been computerized since 1993. In addition to specific informations about the drugs in question the system comprises personal registration numbers (CPR) of both patients and doctors issuing the prescription. The system therefore allows: 1) a precise and valid identification of the individuals purchasing and prescribing strong analgesics, 2) an option to describe possible changes in consumption over time, and 3) the possibility of a highly reliable record linkage with other Danish population-based data sources. Validation studies are reported and strengths and limitations of the system are discussed.