Emerging drug phenomena. A European manual on the Early Information Function for emerging drug phenomena

This document is structured in three parts: firstly, a presentation of the context, objective and methods of the project; secondly, a synthesis of the results: the structure and operation of an Early Information Function for Emerging Drug Phenomena; and thirdly, the prospects for this issue.

Context

At present, various models of Drug Information Systems (DIS) exist in European countries. Frequently, these are rooted in standard sources which provide interesting data but which often have a considerable time lag behind any actual changes in the drugs field. This lack of sensitivity is harmful to the early identification of changes or new phenomena related to drugs and drug use. Moreover, the fast circulation of new drugs and new patterns of use within Europe highlights the high probability of rapid changes in the drugs field. The need to identify these changes more quickly was perceived by various actors working in drug monitoring systems and led to the Euro-TREND project being promoted in 2002.
The main objective of Euro-TREND project was to define and describe a possible common model of an Early Information Function (EIF) for Emerging Drug Phenomena (EDP) in order to make the Drug Information Systems in the participating countries more sensitive to EDP and more compatible with each other. Within this context, several European countries (France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden 1 ) decided to participate in the Euro-TREND project which started at the beginning of 2002.

Results

In order to work properly, an EIF needs first to focus on selected topics. To address this concern, a three-tier information structure was defined. This includes three main lines of inquiry (users, substances and settings). Each of these corresponds to different areas of interest which help to draw together the points that are considered most interesting (e.g. for the “user” main line of inquiry, the areas of interest include demographic characteristics, patterns of use and health consequences). Indicators are chosen for each area of interest. During the operational process of the EIF, information on these indicators will be collected and analysed.
In order to make the EIF operational, a five-step dynamic model was developed. The steps identified are: data collection, identification, assessment, dissemination, and follow-up and feedback.

Prospects

The development of an EIF within a Drug Information System complements the traditional monitoring of indicators and trends. A properly functioning EIF will be able to inform the target audiences in a shorter period of time, in order to promote actions aimed at reducing harm for users and the general population. The production of this information will be of less interest if it is not linked to actions.