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Implementing means restriction education in urban EDs
M Fendrich1, M J Kruesi, J S Wislar
1Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Juvenile Research, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 22, 1998
Summary
A mail campaign improved emergency department professionals' knowledge of firearm risks in adolescent suicide. However, it did not significantly change their practices in warning caregivers about firearm safety, suggesting a need for more interactive education.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Suicide Prevention
Background:
- Firearm access is a significant risk factor in adolescent suicide.
- Emergency departments (EDs) are critical points for intervention.
- Educating ED professionals on firearm safety is crucial for suicide prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a mail information campaign on ED professionals' knowledge and practices regarding firearms in adolescent suicide.
- To assess changes in knowledge about the lethal role of firearms and caregiver warning strategies.
- To compare intervention effects in a targeted city (Chicago) versus a control city (Detroit).
Main Methods:
- A pre-post intervention study design was employed.
- Physicians and nurses in EDs in Chicago received a mail information campaign.
- Responses from Chicago ED professionals were compared to those in Detroit.
Main Results:
- Knowledge regarding firearm removal strategies increased significantly in Chicago post-campaign (60% to 76%).
- Reported instances of caregiver warnings about firearms per adolescent suicide exposure declined in both Chicago and Detroit.
- Gains in knowledge about firearm warning strategies were sustained after controlling for demographic factors.
Conclusions:
- The mail information campaign effectively improved ED professionals' knowledge about firearm risks in adolescent suicide.
- The intervention had minimal impact on the actual practice of warning caregivers about firearms.
- More intensive, interactive educational strategies are likely necessary to translate knowledge into behavioral change among ED professionals for suicide prevention.