Teen violence prevention: how to make a brief encounter make a difference

Physicians with an interest in sports medicine often have contact with adolescents, many of whom are directly or indirectly involved in violent behavior. With appropriate techniques, such physicians can use brief contacts with adolescents to address issues of violent behavior. Ideally, counseling begins with a comprehensive psychosocial screen. However, in short office or training room visits, a three-question psychosocial screen can bring up relevant issues, and a violence screen can refine the history. The physician can then move to situation- and age-appropriate counseling and role-playing techniques as needed.