About the data

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.​

 

Last updated: 22 October 2024