Collecting the Data

DAWN collects data on two types of drug-related events:

• Drug-related emergency department (ED) visits and
  
  
• Drug-related deaths investigated by medical examiners and coroners (ME/Cs).

DAWN includes all types of drugs:

• Illegal drugs of abuse
  
  
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  
  
• Dietary supplements
  
  
• Non pharmaceutical inhalants
  
  
• Alcohol in combination with other drugs (adults and children)
  
  
• Alcohol alone (age < 21).

Questions on Collecting the Data

What is a DAWN case?

What drugs are included in DAWN?

What types of cases are included in DAWN?

What types of ED visits are not included in DAWN?

What types of drug-related deaths are not included in DAWN?

How are DAWN cases found?

Why is it necessary to review all ED medical records or ME/C case files?

Does DAWN review records of patients who do not come through the ED?

Is it true that DAWN only collects data on illicit drugs?

How are drug abuse cases denoted in the New DAWN?

Is it true that the drugs reported to DAWN are all based on patients’ self-reports?

Are all the drugs reported to DAWN based on laboratory test results?

Does DAWN collect current medications unrelated to the visit or death?