Addressing Firearm Safety Counseling: Integration of a Multidisciplinary Workshop in a Pediatric Residency Program

Abstract

Background Firearm-related injuries are the second leading cause of death among US children. Given this, firearm injury prevention should be a key aspect of pediatric anticipatory guidance. Objective We assessed the impact of a firearm safety counseling workshop on pediatric resident knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-reported practice patterns. Methods Sixty of 80 residents (75%) participated in a 2-hour multimodal workshop, including video, didactics with experts, and role-play scenarios. Participants were invited to complete pre-workshop, immediate post-workshop, and 3-and 6-month post-workshop self-reported questionnaires evaluating knowledge, comfort, perceived barriers, and reported practice patterns. Data comparing pre-and 6-month post-workshop practice patterns were analyzed via Fischer’s exact test. Remaining statistical analysis utilized a one-sided, unpaired Mann–Whitney U test. A binomial exact proportions test was used for open-ended responses. Results After the workshop, the percentage of participants with perceived concern regarding parental barriers decreased significantly (24% to 7%, P =.001). Participants 6 months post-workshop were 5.14 times more likely to counsel their patients on firearms during more than 75% of their well visits than prior to the intervention (P =.010). Participants reported greater comfort asking patients about firearms, with mean Likert scores increasing from 3.81 pre to 4.33 post (P =.022), which was similar to 3-month (4.39, P =.06) and 6-month evaluations (4.54, P =.003). Conclusions Education on firearm safety counseling improved pediatric resident comfort level in discussing the topic. This impact persisted 6 months after the workshop, implying a sustained change in attitudes and behaviors.