How are DAWN data abstracted and how does DAWN ensure patient confidentiality?
The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) utilizes trained medical record abstractors to review key areas of each patient’s Emergency Department visit record to determine whether drugs and/or alcohol were either the direct cause or a contributing factor to the visit. If it was, they abstract key data items from the record into a web-based reporting system.
DAWN data elements do not include direct identifiers. All DAWN project staff are trained on protections and procedures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of all health information. Additionally, suppression rules are applied to minimize disclosure risk.

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