A statistical information system for poison control centers

A poison control center (PCC) is a modern health service unit that is able to provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances. The aims of PCC are to provide guidance for treatment strategies by giving right, current and comprehensive information rapidly in case of poisoning and to promote the safe, effective and proper use of medicines. Another major task of PCC is to disseminate and develop knowledge in these areas through teaching and research.In this study, after giving general information about information systems and poison control centers, the statistical information system being developed for poison control centers (SISPCC) has been presented. Development stages and structure of the developed system have been explained. The modules of the information system have been presented. Consequent to the entry into the developed information system of the collected data by Dokuz Eylül University Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) since 1993, results of the 2007 annual report have been given. This report analyzed the etiological, demographical and clinical characteristics of exposures reported to the DPIC in 2007. And finally, conclusion and some suggestions for further research were given.