Comparing ways to promote firearm safety to prevent suicide in children during doctor visits

A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Strategies to Implement Firearm Safety Promotion as a Universal Suicide Prevention Strategy in Pediatric Primary Care

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11048013

This study is looking at the best ways to help doctors talk to parents about safely storing guns during kids' check-ups to prevent suicide, comparing a simple reminder system to one that includes extra support for the doctors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048013 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to effectively implement a secure firearm storage program during pediatric well-child visits to help prevent suicide among children. It compares two strategies: using an electronic health record (EHR) nudge alone versus an EHR nudge combined with additional facilitation. The study collects data from a large number of pediatric visits and engages parents to assess how well the program is delivered and received. By analyzing this data, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of firearm safety promotion in primary care settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents who visit pediatric primary care for well-child visits, particularly those in households with firearms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to firearms or are not involved in pediatric primary care visits may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing suicide in children by promoting safe firearm storage practices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to integrating safety programs in clinical settings can be effective, suggesting potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.