An ongoing study led by HIPRC researchers at Harborview Medical Center is testing the effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote the health and well-being of gunshot wound victims. The premise of the study is that by supporting recovery through a trauma-informed approach, recidivism among this highly vulnerable group will decline.
In this study, researchers approached consenting gunshot wound victims at the hospital setting and enroll them in a six-month community-based intervention designed to link them to services that they desire, such as housing, employment, mental health and substance use treatment, education. Researchers will compare the risk of recidivism and other outcomes among this group against other gunshot wound victims who do not receive the intervention.
The study enrolled 232 patients in total through the end of 2018. Researchers are now examining the findings and preparing to communicate them with the stakeholders and policy makers in our community.
HIPRC researchers involved in the study include Violence Prevention section lead Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, and core faculty members Frederick Rivara, M.D., M.P.H and Lauren Whiteside, M.D., M.S. Kevin Haggerty, Ph.D., of the UW School of Social Work is also part of the research team.