Evaluation of a hospital-based violence intervention program on pediatric gunshot wound recidivism in Chicago.

Abstract BACKGROUNDPurpose: To examine gunshot wound (GSW) recidivism in a pediatric trauma center with a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP).Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric GSW patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center over 5 years (2013 to 2018). We compared repeat GSWs within 2 years of initial injury between HVIP participants and non-participants.FINDINGSResults: Forty-three out of 113 individuals (38%) participated in HVIP services. Fourteen patients (12.4%) had a repeat GSW 2 years after initial injury. The majority of repeat GSW victims were non-participants (11 out of 14 individuals, 78%). The recidivism rate fornon-participants was 15.7% compared to 7% for participants (X2 = 1.15, p = 0.28).Non-participants had more severe re-injuries than participants and 1 died as a result of extensive injuries.CONCLUSIONSOur HVIP shows promise in reducing risk for pediatric patients with GSWs.Policy Implications: HVIPs require national attention and funding.