Open AccessDeciphering Suicide and Other Manners of Death Associated with Drug Intoxication: A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Consultation Meeting Summary
Author(s) -
Deborah M. Stone,
Kristin M. Holland,
Brad Bartholow,
Joseph E. Logan,
Wendy LiKamWa McIntosh,
Aimée Trudeau,
Ian Richard Hildreth Rockett
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2017.303863
Subject(s) - medicine , disease control , public health , disease , homicide , drug control , suicide prevention , injury prevention , multidisciplinary approach , poison control , cause of death , accountability , occupational safety and health , family medicine , medical emergency , environmental health , pathology , pharmacology , political science , law
Manner of death (MOD) classification (i.e., natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined cause) affects mortality surveillance and public health research, policy, and practice. Determination of MOD in deaths caused by drug intoxication is challenging, with marked variability across states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a multidisciplinary meeting to discuss drug intoxication deaths as they relate to suicide and other MOD. The meeting objectives were to identify individual-level, system-level, and place-based factors affecting MOD classification and identify potential solutions to classification barriers. Suggested strategies included improved standardization in death scene investigation, toxicology, and autopsy practice; greater accountability; and creation of job aids for investigators. Continued collaboration and coordination of activities are needed among stakeholders to affect prevention efforts.