Preventing youth violence through hospital-based interventions
Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth: A Hospital-based Prevention Strategy
This study is testing a hospital program called Bridging the Gap to see if it can help reduce violence among young people aged 10-17 who have been hurt in violent incidents.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Commonwealth University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05078164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a hospital-based violence intervention called Bridging the Gap for reducing youth violence among adolescents who have experienced violent injuries. Approximately 600 participants, including youth aged 10-17 and their adult caregivers, will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the Bridging the Gap intervention and the other receiving standard treatment. The intervention includes in-hospital support and three months of community case management services. Researchers will assess the impact of the intervention on various behaviors, including firearm use and aggression, over a period of up to six months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 10-17 who are receiving treatment for a violence-related injury and their adult caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients younger than 10 years or older than 18 years, as well as prisoners, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce youth violence and improve overall safety for adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using hospital-based interventions to reduce violence, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Youth are aged 10-17 years and their adult caregivers are aged 18 years and older 2. Receiving treatment in the hospital for a violence-related injury (e.g., gunshot wound) or referred to BTG/IVPP services 3. English speaking 4. Eligible for BTG services (which includes living within the BTG catchment area for the hospital; Richmond City and neighboring counties) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Youth are \< 10 years old 2. Youth are \> 18 years old 3. Prisoners
Where this trial is running
Richmond, Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicholas Thomson — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Nicholas Thomson
- Email: Nicholas.Thomson@vcuhealth.org
- Phone: 804-628-5541
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.