Continuing medical education and firearm violence counseling

Abstract

Firearm violence is a significant and increasing cause of mortality. Although physicians view firearm counseling as their professional obligation, few engage in the practice. This study examines medical education and firearm counseling among physicians in North Carolina. While 65 percent of physicians reported knowing how to counsel patients about gun safety, only 25 percent reported having conversations with patients about firearms or firearm safety often or very often. Physicians reporting continuing medical education (CME) attendance on gun safety, however, were more likely to report providing patients with firearm safety counseling and asking patients with depression about firearms. Increasing availability of and physician participation in firearm violence prevention CME could significantly increase physicians’ knowledge of and engagement in firearm counseling.