A study of emergency department patients found that the SaFETy score can identify the risk of firearm-related incidents within one year.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Firearm Risk Prediction: The SaFETy score accurately identifies the likelihood of interpersonal firearm violence within 12 months for young adults visiting emergency departments.
- Dose-Response Relationship: Research showed that higher scores in the screening tool directly correlate with an increased risk of being involved in a firearm-related incident.
- Clinical Utility: The tool provides predictive information that could help healthcare providers identify at-risk youth in various healthcare settings, including trauma centers and community centers.
A firearm-specific risk screening tool can accurately predict the risk of interpersonal firearm violence within 12 months for young adults treated in emergency departments, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers from the University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Washington evaluated the SaFETy (Serious fighting, Friend weapon carrying, community Environment, and firearm Threats) score to determine its performance in predicting whether a patient would shoot someone else or be shot. The study included more than 1,500 patients between the ages of 18 and 24 who were seen for any reason at level 1 trauma centers in Seattle, Philadelphia, and Flint between August 2021 and May 2023.
The research team collected 12 months of follow-up data through patient self-reported information and medical records. By comparing baseline SaFETy scores with firearm violence experienced over the following year, the authors found that score categories of 0, 1 to 5, and 6 or higher showed a dose-response relationship with violence risk.
The SaFETy score improved risk prediction even when added to models that included demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.
The authors concluded that the tool provides distinct and useful predictive information for identifying firearm violence risk in general emergency department (ED) populations. However, the researchers said that the tool should also be evaluated in other healthcare settings, such as nonurban emergency departments, schools, and community healthcare centers, to determine its effectiveness at other high-contact points for at-risk youth.
