Abstract
Although fatal and non-fatal overdoses represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality, current systems of surveillance and communication in Canada provide inadequate measurement of drug trends and lack a timely response to drug-related hazards. In order for an effective early warning system for illicit drug overdoses to become a reality, a number of elements will be required: real-time epidemiologic surveillance systems for illicit drug trends and overdoses, inter-agency networks for gathering data and disseminating alerts, and mechanisms for effectively and respectfully engaging with members of drug using communities. An overdose warning system in an urban area like Vancouver would ideally be imbedded within a system that monitors drug trends and overdoses by incorporating qualitative and quantitative information obtained from multiple sources. Valuable information may be collected and disseminated through community organizations and services associated with public health, emergency health services, law enforcement, medical laboratories, emergency departments, community-based organizations, research institutions and people with addiction themselves. The present paper outlines considerations and conceptual elements required to guide implementation of such systems in Canadian cities such as Vancouver.
Highlights
Illicit drug use in Canada is responsible for significant costs – both in terms of human life and healthcare resources [1,2]
A local system including an urban area like Vancouver would ideally involve real-time epidemiological surveillance of drug trends and overdoses incorporating qualitative and quantitative information obtained from institutions such as emergency health services, law enforcement, laboratories, emergency departments, community-based organizations, research institutions and people with addiction themselves
Targeted warnings could be issued to various stakeholders in health, government, and the community who could determine appropriate responses such as a mass public health warning, enhanced dissemination of harm reduction education and material, or engaging in personal risk reduction behaviours
Summary
Illicit drug use in Canada is responsible for significant costs – both in terms of human life and healthcare resources [1,2]. Studies indicate that drug users commonly experience and witness drug overdoses [6,7,8]. The current drug information systems provide inadequate measurement of illicit drug trends and lack the ability to detect problems and initiate a timely response to drug-related hazards such as overdoses. The proposed approach pushes beyond distal epidemiological monitoring of drug trends by emphasizing a very proximal threat to public health, overdose. In this way, overdose functions as both an important indicator within drug surveillance systems as well as a health outcome requiring timely communication, intervention and preventative strategies
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