Gun Violence Communication Training in Two Philadelphia Urban Healthcare Centers
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
30-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
30-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Context: The ramifications of gun violence extend beyond individual victims to encompass their families and surrounding communities. While resources and counseling services are available, a significant barrier exists in the form of limited awareness and access for both families and their clinicians.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to analyze the effect of a clinician education initiative on patient reported outcomes related to physician discussions about gun violence, specifically focusing on prevention and resource availability.
Methods: This quality-improvement study assessed the impact of a clinician-focused educational intervention on gun violence communication. The intervention, implemented in two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia, included office enhancements (handouts and posters) and lunchtime presentations regarding gun violence prevalence, prevention strategies, local support resources, and impacts on mental health for patients and their families. Patient and clinician surveys were administered at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Anonymous patient surveys were distributed during three non-consecutive weeks within a three-month period.
Results: Of the 542 patients seen over the 3 weeks of survey collection, 428 completed surveys (79% response) and 275 (64.3%) reported experiences of gun violence. Additionally, 268 participants (63%) requested more information on resources concerning the impact of gun violence. Pre- and post-program comparisons showed a 17.2% increase in patient awareness of gun violence materials, a 12.1% increase in gun violence discussions with clinicians (reaching 19.3% post-program), and a 9.7% increase in prevention strategy discussions (reaching 14.3% post-program). By the end of the program clinicians reported increased satisfaction and confidence when talking to patients about gun violence.
Conclusions: Clinician education and waiting room resources helped to aid in gun violence discussions. Although this is a good first step in addressing the issue of gun violence, this issue is multi-faceted and involves many social determinants of health. A comprehensive, holistic approach is crucial for supporting affected individuals and families.
Embargo Period
5-20-2025
Gun Violence Communication Training in Two Philadelphia Urban Healthcare Centers
Philadelphia, PA
Context: The ramifications of gun violence extend beyond individual victims to encompass their families and surrounding communities. While resources and counseling services are available, a significant barrier exists in the form of limited awareness and access for both families and their clinicians.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to analyze the effect of a clinician education initiative on patient reported outcomes related to physician discussions about gun violence, specifically focusing on prevention and resource availability.
Methods: This quality-improvement study assessed the impact of a clinician-focused educational intervention on gun violence communication. The intervention, implemented in two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia, included office enhancements (handouts and posters) and lunchtime presentations regarding gun violence prevalence, prevention strategies, local support resources, and impacts on mental health for patients and their families. Patient and clinician surveys were administered at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Anonymous patient surveys were distributed during three non-consecutive weeks within a three-month period.
Results: Of the 542 patients seen over the 3 weeks of survey collection, 428 completed surveys (79% response) and 275 (64.3%) reported experiences of gun violence. Additionally, 268 participants (63%) requested more information on resources concerning the impact of gun violence. Pre- and post-program comparisons showed a 17.2% increase in patient awareness of gun violence materials, a 12.1% increase in gun violence discussions with clinicians (reaching 19.3% post-program), and a 9.7% increase in prevention strategy discussions (reaching 14.3% post-program). By the end of the program clinicians reported increased satisfaction and confidence when talking to patients about gun violence.
Conclusions: Clinician education and waiting room resources helped to aid in gun violence discussions. Although this is a good first step in addressing the issue of gun violence, this issue is multi-faceted and involves many social determinants of health. A comprehensive, holistic approach is crucial for supporting affected individuals and families.
Comments
Presented by Alexa Kaminsky