Objective: While the number of overdoses in the United States continues to increase, lags in data availability have undermined efforts to monitor, respond to, and prevent drug overdose deaths. We examined the performance of a single-item mandatory radio button implemented into a statewide medical examiner database to identify suspected drug overdose deaths in near-real time.
Materials And Methods: The New Jersey Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner operates a statewide mandated case management data system to document deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner office.