Understanding the makeup of a growing field: A committee on trauma survey of the national network of hospital-based violence intervention programs.

BACKGROUND: Among Hospital Based Violence Intervention programs (HVIPs), little is known about variation in services provided, funding sources, or populations served. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-eight member programs of Health Alliance for Violence Intervention participated in a survey administered by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Questions were quantitative and qualitative. For qualitative analysis, questions pertaining to the domains were assessed for common themes and assessed across all subject domains. RESULTS: All programs enroll patients injured by community violence, some by intimate partner violence (IPV), trafficking, and rarely by child or elder abuse. Programs with more funding (≥$300,000 per year) were more likely federally, state, or city funded. Lower funded programs (≤$300,000 per year) were funded by foundations or philanthropy. In both qualitative and quantitative analysis, barriers to starting or sustaining HVIPs included funding, and lack of risk reduction and mental health resources. Successful programs had stable funding, adequate staffing, and buy in from hospitals and staff. CONCLUSION: HVIPs serve diverse populations in variable models. There is opportunity to expand the reach of HVIPs, and the experience if existing programs is an invaluable resource.

A Multicenter Evaluation of a Firearm Safety Intervention in the Pediatric Outpatient Setting.

PURPOSE: Firearm injuries continue to be a common cause of injury for American children. This pilot study was developed to evaluate the feasibility of providing guidance about firearm safety to the parents of pediatric patients using a tablet-based module in the outpatient setting. METHODS: A tablet-based questionnaire that included a firearm safety message based on current best practice was administered to parents of pediatric patients at nine centers in 2018. Parents were shown a firearm safety video and then asked a series of questions related to firearm safety. RESULTS: The study was completed by 543 parents from 15 states. More than one-third (37%) of families kept guns in their home. The majority of parents (81%, n = 438) thought it was appropriate for physicians to provide firearm safety counseling. Two-thirds (63%) of gun owning parents who do not keep their guns locked said that the information provided in the module would change the way they stored firearms at home. CONCLUSION: Use of a tablet based firearm safety module in the outpatient setting is feasible, and the majority of parents are receptive to receiving anticipatory guidance on firearm safety. Further data is needed to evaluate whether the intervention will improve firearm safety practices in the home. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.