Pediatric Nonfatal Firearm Injury Health Care Utilization

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Firearm injury is a leading cause of death and a significant cause of non-fatal injury among children in the U.S.
• Survivors of pediatric firearm injuries experience substantial healthcare utilization and associated costs.
• Existing literature highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of post-injury care and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current literature on healthcare utilization and costs for pediatric firearm injury survivors.
• To identify gaps in knowledge regarding long-term health outcomes and expenditures.
• To inform intervention efforts for firearm injury prevention and post-injury care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and synthesis of 15 studies examining healthcare use and costs.
• Comparison of pre-injury and post-injury healthcare patterns.
• Comparison of firearm-injured children to non-firearm-injured control groups.

Main Results:

• Increased hospitalizations and readmissions were observed in pediatric firearm injury survivors compared to pre-injury and control groups.
• A significant rise in mental health diagnoses was noted among children following firearm injury.
• Healthcare spending increased substantially in the first year post-injury for both affected children and their families.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric firearm injuries result in significant, immediate increases in healthcare utilization and costs.
• There is a critical need for longitudinal research to assess long-term health impacts and economic consequences.
• Further investigation is required to guide effective prevention and comprehensive post-injury care strategies for firearm-injured children, families, and communities.