The gap between hospital-based violence intervention services and client needs: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery
• Social Work

Background:

• Intentional interpersonal violence survivors face social determinants of health challenges impacting their well-being.
• Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) aim to reduce reinjury among survivors.
• The extent to which HVIPs address clients' self-reported needs remains unclear.

Approach:

• A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, and PsycInfo databases was conducted.
• Studies focused on HVIP services and intentional injury survivors' needs in the U.S., excluding specific populations and study types.
• Data extracted included program structure, services offered, and client needs assessments.

Key Points:

• Of 13 included studies, clients most frequently reported needs in mental health, employment, and education.
• Only 4 studies quantitatively assessed needs pre- and post-intervention.
• HVIPs met at least 50% of reported needs, with mental health needs met at 65%-90%.

Conclusions:

• Few studies comprehensively assess client-reported needs within HVIPs.
• Employment, education, and housing support must be strengthened in HVIPs for better outcomes.
• HVIPs show promise but require enhanced focus on long-term social determinants of health for survivors.