S.A.F.E. Firearm Program for Suicide Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness of a program called S.A.F.E. Firearm in promoting safe firearm storage. The program includes a conversation with healthcare staff about secure storage and provides a free firearm lock. Researchers aim to determine if adding training and reminders for healthcare workers increases the program's usage. Individuals visiting adult primary care or women's health clinics in Michigan or Colorado, who have access to firearms, may be suitable for this trial. Participants might also share their experiences through surveys or interviews. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance community safety.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on firearm safety and does not mention medication changes.
What prior data suggests that the S.A.F.E. Firearm program is safe for implementation in adult primary care and women's health?
Research has shown that the S.A.F.E. Firearm program, which discusses safe gun storage and distributes free cable locks, is generally safe. A study on a similar program found that distributing safe storage devices is feasible and well-received. This indicates that people are open to the idea, and it can be implemented without major issues.
The S.A.F.E. Firearm program emphasizes promoting safe storage practices rather than using medicine or medical procedures, eliminating concerns about medical side effects. The program aims to encourage safer gun storage, which can help reduce the risk of gun-related injuries or deaths.
Current evidence indicates that the program is well-received, with no reports of negative effects. Participants in similar programs have generally responded positively to discussions about gun safety and the offer of cable locks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the S.A.F.E. Firearm Program for suicide prevention because it introduces an innovative approach to reducing suicide risk by incorporating secure firearm storage discussions into regular healthcare visits. Unlike traditional mental health treatments, which often focus on therapy or medication, this program directly addresses the means of suicide by offering patients a free cable firearm lock and engaging them in a conversation about safe storage. By integrating these discussions and tools into the healthcare setting, the program aims to make an immediate impact on reducing the risk of firearm-related suicides. This method reflects a proactive, preventive strategy that is distinct from conventional treatment approaches.
What evidence suggests that the S.A.F.E. Firearm program and implementation package could be effective for suicide prevention?
Research has shown that storing guns safely can prevent unauthorized access, potentially lowering the risk of injury or death. Guns are the most lethal method in suicide attempts, often resulting in death. Safe storage practices, such as locking and unloading guns, might reduce these risks, although some studies have not directly linked these practices to lower suicide rates. In this trial, the S.A.F.E. Firearm program, part of the implementation phase, encourages safe storage by having healthcare staff discuss secure storage with patients and provide free gun locks. This approach aims to facilitate the adoption of safer habits and reduce potential harm.26789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adult patients and healthcare staff in Michigan and Colorado. It's focused on those involved with primary care or women's health where the S.A.F.E. Firearm program, promoting secure firearm storage, has not yet been implemented.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Baseline Data Collection
Clinics collect baseline data without exposure to S.A.F.E. Firearm or implementation approaches
Implementation
Implementation of S.A.F.E. Firearm with training, EHR nudge, and facilitation
Maintenance
Assessment of outcomes with ongoing data reports and EHR nudge, but no additional training or facilitation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in firearm storage behavior and program reach
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Implementation package
Trial Overview
The effectiveness of the S.A.F.E. Firearm program is being tested along with a support package to help staff integrate it into their practice. This includes training, electronic health record prompts, and problem-solving support.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Each group of clinics will cross over from the baseline phase to the implementation phase, one at a time. In the implementation phase, the implementation approaches (training, EHR nudge, facilitation) and the S.A.F.E. Firearm program will be implemented. S.A.F.E. Firearm consists of health care staff having a secure firearm storage discussion with a patient during their visit and offering them a free cable firearm lock. The implementation phase will last for 6 months for each group of clinics.
After the six-month period during which the implementation strategies (training, EHR nudge, facilitation) are enacted at a clinic, the research team will assess outcomes during the remainder of the study period in a "maintenance" phase. No additional training or facilitation will be received during this maintenance period following the implementation period. Clinics will still receive ongoing data reports, the the EHR nudge will remain turned on, and clinics will continue to deliver the S.A.F.E. Firearm program.
The study will begin with a baseline data collection phase. During the baseline data collection phase, no clinics will be exposed to S.A.F.E. Firearm nor the implementation approaches (training, EHR nudge, facilitation). The length of the baseline data collection phase will differ between each "wedge" (i.e., group of clinics) depending on when the group is randomly assigned to cross over into the implementation phase. All clinics will be in the baseline data collection phase for at least six months before the interventions are activated.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Kaiser Permanente
Collaborator
Michigan State University
Collaborator
Henry Ford Health System
Collaborator
Citations
Opportunities and barriers to engaging caregivers in firearm ...
Firearms are by far the most lethal method used in suicide attempts, with 9 out of 10 attempts resulting in death [7]. Storing firearms loaded ...
Firearm Storage and Firearm Suicide | Public Health
In this case-control study, neither locking nor unloading household firearms was associated with whether adults used a firearm in their suicide.
Firearm Storage Behaviors — Behavioral Risk Factor...
Secure firearm storage might help reduce access by children and other unauthorized users and the related risk for injury or death. Information ...
Project Safe Guard: Evaluating a Lethal Means Safety ...
Specifically, outcomes assessed included personal knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to firearm suicide and secure firearm storage, ...
Project Safe Guard–Trauma (PSG-T)
When firearms are stored in a non-secure manner (e.g., unlocked, loaded), risk for suicide may be elevated. Accordingly, clinical, public health, and firearm ...
Evaluation of a Firearm Safe Storage Device Distribution ...
This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of a Firearm Safe Storage Device Distribution Program.
7.
childrenshospitals.org
childrenshospitals.org/news/cha-blog/2025/04/safe-firearm-storage-saves-livesSafe Firearm Storage Saves Lives
Studies show that secure, separate storage of firearms and ammunition is associated with a 78% decreased risk of self-inflicted gun injuries.
8.
injepijournal.biomedcentral.com
injepijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40621-024-00541-1Impact of cable lock distribution on firearm securement after ...
Securement of firearms and ammunition is associated with an almost 80% decrease in the odds of death from firearm-related suicide as well as 85% ...
Personal Firearms: Programs that Promote Safe Storage ...
We identified 16 public or nonprofit programs that promote safe gun storage to help keep those guns away from kids and people at risk of suicide.
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