@article{ref1,
title="Recovery of pediatric patients after firearm injury: can health systems do more?",
journal="American surgeon",
year="2021",
author="Borthwell, Rachel M. and Olanrewaju, Samuel and Putnam, Brant A. and Kim, Dennis Y. and Chong, Vincent E.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Firearm injuries are the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Nonfatal firearm injuries far outnumber fatalities, yet data detailing the recovery and post-injury needs of pediatric patients after hospital discharge are limited. This study evaluated health system support of pediatric patients after firearm injury, from acute hospitalization to outpatient follow-up. <br><br>METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients <18 years who presented to an urban level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019. Cases were categorized as accidental or intentional (stratified as assault-related or &quot;crossfire&quot; injuries). Outcomes included biopsychosocial assessment (BA) utilization, trauma psychology service consultation, and linkage to outpatient services. <br><br>RESULTS: Among 115 patients, 94% were victims of community violence. Black (50%) and Latinx (44%) patients were disproportionately affected, as were males aged 15-16 years (71%). Overall mortality was 8%. Biopsychosocial assessment and trauma psychology consultations occurred in 43% and 20% of cases, respectively. Of eligible patients, 71% received referral to post-hospitalization support services. The most commonly identified needs were counseling, gang intervention, and help with the carceral system. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Health systems should support long-term recovery of pediatric patients after firearm injury, particularly addressing social and structural determinants of health. Inpatient-to-outpatient linkages should be strengthened, and prospective follow-up is needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-1348",
doi="10.1177/00031348211024227",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00031348211024227"
}