When Is It Appropriate for Health Professionals to Discuss Firearms with Their Patients?

Although the rise in firearms-related deaths is a clear public health epidemic, many health professionals feel uncomfortable discussing firearms with patients. These researchers reviewed data from a 2018 California survey on violence prevention that included questions regarding the appropriateness of firearm safety conversations between patients and health professionals. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 5232 California residents aged 18 and older; 49% completed the survey.

Of respondents, 14% were firearm owners and 11% lived with firearm owners. Overall, 67% replied that firearms safety conversations are “at least sometimes” appropriate (vs. “never” or “don't know”). This response was more frequent among nonowners (70%) than owners (52%). However, when specific risk factors for firearm injury (suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol abuse, and dementia or living with someone who has dementia) were included in the question, more than 80% of both owners and nonowners agreed that these conversations are at least sometimes appropriate. Similarly, more than 80% of both groups agreed that healthcare professionals should intervene (by counseling the patient or informing the family, a mental health professional, or the police) after learning that a patient with a firearm has thoughts of hurting him- or herself or others.