What is APSI?
APSI is the Australian Poisoning Surveillance Initiative. This is a databank that collects de-identified information about poisons centre calls in Australia. Calls are made from healthcare professionals and members of the public who call 13 11 26.
Why are you collecting this information?
APSI data is collected with the overaching aim of reducing harm from poisonings. APSI data is collected to identify which substances are involved in poisoning, and who is at risk of poisoning in Australia. This level of detailed information is not available in other datasets (e.g. those collected at the time of hospital admission), and the APSI databank allows for a more comprehensive understanding of this problem in Australia. The APSI data is used by clinicians, the government and researchers to improve understanding and treatment of poisoning.
Will the information be kept private and confidential?
Personal information collected by poisons centres as part of the electronic medical record is not uploaded into the APSI databank. This means the APSI databank does not contain any names, dates of birth, phone numbers, addresses or hospital record numbers of patients the poisons centres are consulted on. The de-identified data stored in the APSI databank is stored in a highly protected cloud storage environment, which is password protected and only accessed by a small number of approved APSI staff.
How will the information be used?
The APSI data will only be used for studies permitted under our ethics approval. Summary reports on poisoning will be presented at conferences and published in medical journals. Annual reports will be published on our website. All data published is aggregated and de-identified.
How is APSI funded?
APSI was established with grant funding in 2021 from the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC), with partner contributions from the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Queensland Poisons Information Centre, West Australian Poisons Information Centre, The University of Sydney and NSW Ministry of Health. Ongoing operations are supported by the partner organisations.
Does APSI provide clinical advice?
No, for clinical advice on poisoning in Australia please call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for round-the-clock expert poisoning advice.