Injury prevention and control

Despite recent efforts to apply a public health epidemiology to violence in America, most physicians do not incorporate violence prevention methodologies into their own individual practices. The challenge of integrating violence detection, prevention, and management into the delivery of health care begins by building on the recent successful implementation of injury prevention and control policies. Three specific issues that physicians can address in their individual practice settings are reviewed: 1) alcohol and substance abuse, 2) firearms, and 3) family violence. This article focuses on these issues and addresses the concept of the physician as an advocate for change.