Comparing ways to promote firearm safety to prevent suicide in children during doctor visits
Official title: A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Strategies to Implement Firearm Safety Promotion as a Universal Suicide Prevention Strategy in Pediatric Primary Care
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11048013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,950 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH123491-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents who visit pediatric primary care for well-child visits, particularly those in households with firearms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to firearms or are not involved in pediatric primary care visits may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beidas, Rinad Sary — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Beidas, Rinad Sary
Related research
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This study is looking at how well private care can help prevent suicide in teens by making it easier for them to talk about their feelings and get the support they need during doctor visits.
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Improving Suicide Prevention in Primary Care
This project explores how new computer tools can help primary care doctors better identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.
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Improving suicide prevention methods for children in primary care settings
This study is working on new ways for doctors who care for kids to help prevent suicide by using tools like a website for screening, a smartphone app for safety plans, and text reminders, all aimed at supporting young people who are struggling with their mental health during regular check-ups.
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Finding the best ways to promote safe firearm storage to prevent youth suicides
This study is looking at how to help doctors and parents talk about safe gun storage to keep kids safe and reduce the risk of firearm-related suicides, by making it easier for them to use a program that offers free cable locks and support.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.