Criteria for classifying events to their likelihood of being an opioid-related overdose, based on medical record review
| Categories | Criteria | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Definite | Clearly stated as opioid overdose. | Accidental methadone overdose. |
| Probable | Mention of overdose with involvement of opioids, or stated as probable opioid overdose. Or, mention of overdose, and mention of opioids, but not explicitly stated as opioid-related overdose. |
Acute alteration in level of consciousness presumed due to narcotic excess. Respiratory depression due to narcotics or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. |
| Uncertain | Records not clear. | In hospital but no specific mention of overdose. |
| Probably not | Event with no mention of opioids. Or, mention of opioids but not stated as operation. |
Adverse effect in context of overdose |
| Definitely not | Clearly not opioid-related overdose. | Opiate withdrawal. |