Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41510296›Full record

ArticleResearch square2025

Key Considerations in the Design of a Sentinel Network for Drug Use: Qualitative Findings.

Sara Esteves Araujo Correia, Leonor Varela-Lema, Linda B Cottler, Jasjit S Ahluwalia, Angela J Torres Iglesias, Mónica Perez-Rios

Abstract readPreprint
In one paragraph

Article in Research square, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Sara Esteves Araujo CorreiaUniversity of Santiago de Compostela.
Leonor Varela-LemaUniversity of Santiago de Compostela.
Linda B CottlerUniversity of Florida.
Jasjit S AhluwaliaBrown University School of Public Health.
Angela J Torres IglesiasUniversity of Santiago de Compostela.
Mónica Perez-RiosUniversity of Santiago de Compostela.

Funding

National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) COVID-19 SupplementU01DA051126 · NIDA · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · PI Linda B. Cottler, Joseph J Palamar · 2020 to 2026
$6.3M
NIDA NIH HHS U01 DA051126
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: An effective surveillance program of drugs and addiction requires timely detection of emerging consumption patterns and new psychoactive substances. The time lag between conventional reporting systems and population-level perception creates a gap that can be more effectively addressed through sentinel networks. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between February and May 2025. A total of 13 regional, national and international experts in public health, drug policy, prevention, epidemiology, and digital technologies participated in three focus groups and four in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti, with triangulation of researcher data with adherence to SRQR guidelines to ensure rigor. Results: Four categories and 13 subcategories were identified for the design of a sentinel network on drug use: (1) Definition and criteria for activating sentinel alerts; (2) Selection of key informants;(3) Management and temporality of alerts; and (4) Enabling factors for sustainability. Conclusions: A sentinel network for drug use should be multidisciplinary, flexible, and integrated into existing surveillance structures. Incorporating diverse perspectives and information, ensuring adequate professional support, and establishing mechanisms for motivation and sustainability are essential. This system could enhance early detection and serve as a model for substance use surveillance in comparable contexts.

Indexed as

drug usepublic healthqualitative researchsentinel surveillance

Identifiers

PMID41510296
PMCPMC12776522

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.