Clinical Approaches to the Prevention of Firearm-Related Injury

This article outlines clinical strategies for reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths in the U.S., which now surpass motor vehicle crashes in mortality. The authors present a layered prevention framework that includes universal anticipatory guidance on firearm safety, selective counseling for high-risk groups, and indicated interventions for patients with elevated individual risk (e.g., suicide, intimate partner violence, or cognitive decline). The article emphasizes respectful, patient-centered conversations that normalize safety topics, align with patient motivations, and support harm-reduction strategies like locked storage and temporary off-site firearm removal during crisis periods. Tailored recommendations are provided for populations such as adolescents, older adults, and survivors of violence. Clinicians are encouraged to integrate counseling into routine care, avoid stigmatizing language, and utilize available legal tools like extreme risk protection orders when necessary. Health systems are urged to invest in infrastructure and training to support implementation. The authors argue for a multi-level approach involving clinical practice, community collaboration, and policy advocacy to confront this urgent public health crisis.

This article outlines clinical strategies for reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths in the U.S., which now surpass motor vehicle crashes in mortality. The authors present a layered prevention framework that includes universal anticipatory guidance on firearm safety, selective counseling for high-risk groups, and indicated interventions for patients with elevated individual risk (e.g., suicide, intimate partner violence, or cognitive decline). The article emphasizes respectful, patient-centered conversations that normalize safety topics, align with patient motivations, and support harm-reduction strategies like locked storage and temporary off-site firearm removal during crisis periods. Tailored recommendations are provided for populations such as adolescents, older adults, and survivors of violence. Clinicians are encouraged to integrate counseling into routine care, avoid stigmatizing language, and utilize available legal tools like extreme risk protection orders when necessary. Health systems are urged to invest in infrastructure and training to support implementation. The authors argue for a multi-level approach involving clinical practice, community collaboration, and policy advocacy to confront this urgent public health crisis.