Title: Connecting victims of non-fatal firearm injury to community resources- a hospital based intervention to reduce re-injury
Abstract:
Gun violence remains a pressing public health concern, with significant implications for individuals, families, and communities. While much attention is often focused on the immediate medical response to firearm injuries, it is equally important to address the long-term impact and prevent reoccurrence of such incidents. This presentation will discuss a hospital-based intervention aimed at connecting victims of non-life-threatening firearm injuries with community resources to reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents.
Methodology: The intervention was implemented at a large, urban, Level 1 Trauma Center, with a comprehensive emergency department and trauma bay. Nurses, including full-time, and part-time staff, working in both the emergency department and trauma bay were enlisted for the project. Patients discharged from the emergency department, who were victims of gun violence and met the inclusion criteria, were targeted for the intervention. The conceptual model of Knowledge to Action guided the implementation process.
The key element of the intervention was the Gunshot Wound (GSW)Community Resources Discharge Packet, which was used by nurses during the discharge process. This packet contained information about community resources and services available to assist patients in their recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury. Additionally, patients were encouraged to enroll in Healing Hurt People (HHP), an organization specializing in supporting victims of violence.
Data Analysis and Results: The data collected for analysis was uploaded via Excel and reported in terms of percentages and charts. Out of the total number of patients discharged from the emergency department, 33% were provided with community resources through the GSW Community Resources Discharge Packet. Furthermore, 16% of the discharged patients enrolled with HHP, indicating their willingness to engage in specialized support services. Additionally, 16% of the patients followed up with HHP, suggesting a potential for sustained engagement and long-term support.
Implications for Practice: Connecting patients to resources may lead to long-term gun violence reduction, and reduce reinjury.
Audience Take Away Notes:
The audience will learn the importance of addressing the long-term impact of gun violence. The presentation will emphasize the significance of connecting victims of non-life-threatening firearm injuries with community resources. Attendees will gain an understanding of the need to address the broader social determinants of gun violence that can prevent re-injury
The audience will be able to use what they learn from the presentation in several ways:
1) Implementing similar interventions: By understanding the methodology and outcomes of the hospital-based intervention discussed in the presentation, the audience can consider implementing similar interventions in their own healthcare settings. They can adapt and tailor the Gunshot Wound Community Resources Discharge Packet or develop similar resources to connect victims of gun violence with community support services. This knowledge will empower healthcare professionals to act and address the long-term impact of gun violence within their own practice
2) Collaborating with community organizations: The presentation highlights the collaboration with Healing Hurt People (HHP), an organization specializing in supporting victims of violence. The audience can explore opportunities to establish partnerships or collaborate with similar organizations in their communities. By forging connections between healthcare institutions and community resources, professionals can ensure a seamless transition for patients, providing them with comprehensive support beyond the hospital setting
3) Advocating for policy changes: The knowledge gained from the presentation can be utilized by the audience to advocate for policy changes at local, regional, or national levels. They can share the evidence and outcomes of the hospital-based intervention to raise awareness among policymakers, healthcare administrators, and community leaders. By highlighting the effectiveness of connecting victims of gun violence with resources, professionals can contribute to the development and implementation of policies that support similar interventions and allocate resources to reduce recidivism
4) The audience can use the knowledge gained to design and conduct their own studies to assess the effectiveness of similar interventions in different settings or populations. The presented intervention provides a foundation for future research and evaluation
By the end of the presentation, the audience will learn how this quality improvement project can help with
1) Improved patient care outcomes- addressing the long-term needs of victims of gun violence can positively affect patient outcomes
2) Enhanced discharge planning: Understanding the intervention outcomes, healthcare workers can prioritize identifying and connecting victims to appropriate resources during discharge, resulting in smoother transitions and reduced readmission rates
3) Interdisciplinary collaboration: The intervention emphasizes collaboration among nurses from different departments, promoting teamwork and the recognition of shared responsibility in addressing the complexities of gun violence, leading to improved patient care
