Physician-Driven or Self-Directed Safe Firearm Storage Guidance: Which One is Best?
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · May 2021 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
This randomized pilot study compared physician-delivered firearm safety guidance versus self-directed handouts among firearm-owning parents at two pediatric clinics. While physician guidance improved knowledge of child access protection laws, it did not increase safe storage practices beyond baseline rates or handout-only approaches.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background/Purpose
Access to firearms is a preventable cause of unintentional injury and suicide in children. Pediatric physicians provide injury prevention guidance, but firearm safety may not routinely be included. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of firearm safety guidance (FSG) provided by a physician.
Methods
Prospective, randomized-controlled, trial assessing physician-delivered FSG at two pediatric clinics in Houston, Texas. Firearm-owning parents were randomized to physician guidance (PG) versus control (CG) groups. The CG received a handout with firearm safety facts and a free cable lock. The PG additionally received FSG by a physician. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis.
Results
Thirty-two families participated; most (70%) were satisfied with the guidance. Pre-intervention safe firearm storage was high in both groups, and the intervention did not lead to improved habits in either group [PG: Pre 93% vs Post 89%, p = 0.7 and CG: Pre 82% vs 78%, p = 0.7]. There was no difference in use of the free cable lock among groups (44% vs 22%, p=0.9). The PG demonstrated improved knowledge of the state child access protection law (PG: Pre 60% vs. Post 100% vs. CG: Pre 29% vs. Post 67%; p = 0.02).
Conclusions
For firearm-owning parents, physician-delivered safe storage guidance may not be more effective than self-directed guidance provided by a handout. A larger trial is underway to confirm the findings of this pilot study.