Substance abuse poisoning registry development based on lessons learned from a pilot implementation

Substance abuse has been recognized as a national problem in Iran, in which poisoning with pharmaceutical drugs, opioids and alcohols is common. Due to the lack of a comprehensive information system related to Substance abuse, it is challenging to manage the treatment and follow-up of patients caused by drug abuse poisoning. The purpose of this research was to develop a registry system for substance abuse poisoning in - Urmia University of Medical Sciences.

This research is a practical development study that was done in 4 phases. In the first phase, minimum data set (MDS) of the system were determined. In the second phase, the registration system was designed. The third phase includes the implementation of the system, and finally, the system was evaluated by QUIS questionnaire.

A total of 58 data elements in 6 classes were recognized as essential for this system from the point of view of experts. The system was implemented on the ASP.NET platform using C# language and SQL Server database in the poisoning department of Taleghani Hospital in Urmia. The evaluation of usability of the system showed score obtained in the 6 main categories were in set of terms of the system 8.52, screen 8.36, ability to learn 8.8, general functionality 8.04, user interface 7.98, and the general interaction is 7.73 respectively.

Considering the capabilities of the system for registering poisonings caused by drug abuse, it seems necessary to implement this system in the form of a national network, in order to make the necessary interventions to control drug abuse while using resources efficiently.