Definition of a Drug Related Death

Both the NDRDD and NRS reports use the ‘baseline’ definition for the UK Drugs.

The NRS provides a definition in their methodological annexes (external website).

Content of dataset

The dataset includes:

• socio-demographic information
• known substance use details
• previous overdoses
• details of medical and psychiatric conditions
• details of the death
• previous contact with services
• toxicology and substitute prescribing

Linkage of dataset

The NDRDD routinely links to:

• PHS’ general acute inpatient and day case admissions (SMR01)
• psychiatric inpatient admissions (SMR04)
• Prescribing Information System (PIS)

These analyses provide:

• measures of hospital admission
• description of stays in relation to specific conditions
• recent prescribing of controlled medications.

All relevant permissions for use and reporting of data were obtained in accordance with PHS Information Governance processes. 

Learn more about the PHS privacy notice.​