91. RESIDENTS EDUCATION ON FIREARMS SAFETY COUNSELING: CURRENT STATUS, PERCEIVED BARRIERS, AND SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Abstract

Background Firearm (FA) related deaths & injuries are national public health crises. FA is the leading cause of death among black children & teens. FA safety counseling has positive impact on increasing gun safety at home. It is crucial for Residents in training (RES) to learn skills of counseling with regards to this topic. Methods Cross sectional survey at Brookdale Hospital, NY including RES from all specialties. Questionnaire based on literature review was sent using “SurveyMonkey”. Comparison of responses among subgroups of RES was done using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Results Of 244 RES, 134 (55%) responded to survey [51% males, 34% from pediatrics (PED) (Table 1-A)]. Nearly all RES agree that gun violence is a problem in their community (96%). Unavailability of FA safety training in residency programs was reported in 66% (less in PED vs. non-PED, Table 2). Overall, only few RES felt confident to counsel about FA (14%). Majority of respondents (67%) were interested in receiving additional education (more in PED vs. non-PED). Methods of FA training in the RES’ programs as well as topics covered are shown in Table 1-B (PED reported more CME/grand rounds and less case-based scenarios / or standardize patient, table 2). RES were similarly interested in receiving education in FA safety counseling, independent of the PGY level (Table 3). There was no difference in perceived barriers, except that PGY1 were more likely to “worry about upsetting families if asked about FA” (Table 3). Also, PGY1 were less likely to choose “workshops” & “grand rounds” as resources to increase FA education. US graduates (USG) & non-USG had same perception on barriers to FA safety counseling and resources to increase FA safety education. Similarly, there was no difference on responses to these questions between RES raised in North America vs. those that did not. In contrast, RES who are non USG, or those raised without FA at home were more likely to agree with gun violence being a problem in the community & interested in receiving FA safety education (Table 4-A,B). Conclusion Regardless of subspecialty, majority of RES reported no FA safety education received during their training. PED RES were more likely to indicate interest in training, which they thought it is their program's responsibility. Only few RES felt comfortable & confident counseling on FA safety.