Response to “Perceptions and Experiences of Family Physicians Regarding Firearm Safety Counseling”

Julie Thai, MD, MPH, and colleagues1 took on the issue of firearm safety by reporting data on physician knowledge, comfort, and practices regarding counseling patients about firearm safety. They have provided an important service by putting this issue in the forefront of family medicine. They found that 46.2% of respondent physicians reported no training in firearm safety counseling. This is noteworthy as the authors also found that those with formal training were more likely to report feeling comfortable asking patients about firearm ownership. Forty-five percent of physicians reported being uncomfortable discussing firearm removal with patients. The authors call for more formal training to increase knowledge and comfort discussing firearm safety. The authors also note physician preference for a screening tool to be used during office visits to save time as well as lessen physician discomfort with this topic. Here, I offer information about collaborations and resources to jump start conversations with patients about firearm safety.

Overcoming discomfort is essential to having conversations about firearms. It may help physicians to know that there have been multiple collaborations between firearm advocates (eg, associations, retailers, range owners) and mental health and public health practitioners. The goal of these partnerships is to provide guidelines and suicide prevention materials designed for gun sellers and/or owners. The Gun Shop Project2 started with a coalition in New Hampshire adding an eleventh tip to an existing brochure on gun safety. The new information addressed what to do when a gun owner or family member is suicidal (store the gun elsewhere).3 In addition, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have teamed up to create materials about firearms and suicide prevention.4 The flipbook discusses risk factors, warning signs, reaching out to save a life, the frequent use of firearms in suicide, and safe storage.

Like physicians, the NSFF is concerned about safety. The campaign Project Child Safe promotes responsible gun ownership.5 The aim is to reduce firearm accidents, theft, and misuse. The website has a plethora of materials including a firearm safety assessment that consists of eight questions to help gun owners think through safety issues. Physicians could use the web-based assessment6 during a patient encounter and/or incorporate some of the materials into their own office space.

Learning about firearm safety collaborations taking place across the nation is inspiring. They provide role modeling and motivation to start difficult conversations. There is common ground around health and safety for all. Physicians connecting with patients about safety and health is a natural part of the relationship. Materials cocreated with firearm associations are a great resource. For gun-owning patients, such materials are likely more impactful than information from a health care provider alone. Family physicians are encouraged to review the resources mentioned in order to increase comfort with starting the conversations about the importance of firearm safety.