THE DANISH STRONG ANALGESIC SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

The legal consumption of strong analgesics is increasing and research addressing the complex consequences of this expansion is needed. We de scribe the Danish strong analgesic surveillance system comprising copi es of all prescriptions of strong analgesics purchased at Danish pharm acies. The system is operated by the Public Health officers and has be en computerized since 1993. In addition to specific informations about the drugs in question the system comprises personal registration numb ers (CPR) of both patients and doctors issuing the prescription. The s ystem therefore allows: 1) a precise and valid identification of the i ndividuals purchasing and prescribing strong analgesics, 2) an option to describe possible changes in consumption over time, and 3) the poss ibility of a highly reliable record linkage with other Danish populati on-based data sources. Validation studies are reported and strengths a nd limitations of the system are discussed.