Safe firearm storage: preferred device choice vs. standard cable locks
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Firearm Secure Storage Device Distribution Strategies: A Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT07886983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving people a choice of storage devices for firearms leads to safer storage at home compared with just sending cable locks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1858 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 21, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2029 |
| Study ends | September 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07886983 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults who are patients, visitors, or employees at participating Penn Medicine centers, own a firearm, have a U.S. mailing address, and can access the QR survey.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who do not own a firearm at home or who do not change storage practices may not experience a measurable benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares two approaches to promoting safe firearm storage among adults connected to Penn Medicine. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard cable locks or a choice of storage options (such as a lock box and/or cable locks) mailed to their home, along with safety education. Recruitment occurs at Penn Medicine community health centers, using a QR-code survey and online consent, with enrollment limited to those who own a firearm and have a residential mailing address in the United States. The study collects baseline information on ownership and storage practices and aims to observe storage outcomes after device delivery. English or Spanish speakers who cannot complete consent or assessments in those languages are excluded to preserve data quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, participants may store firearms more securely at home, potentially reducing accidental injuries and suicides.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that providing safe-storage options can influence practice, but this specific device-choice approach is novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient, visitor, or employee at enrollment site * Can access QR code survey at enrollment site via smartphone and have access to text messaging * Have a residential \[U.S.\] mailing address * Report a firearm at home * Request a secure storage device Exclusion Criteria: * Prior enrollment from same household address (needed to preserve independence of study observations) * Inability to complete study consent and assessments in English or Spanish
Where it's running
-
Penn Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mucio (Kit) Delgado, MD, MS — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator
- Email: InjuryPrevention@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-746-0149
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Counseling intervention to improve firearm storage for those with PTSD
This study is testing a counseling program to see if it can help people with PTSD store their firearms more safely to reduce the risk of suicide.
-
Flurpiridaz F-18 PET/CT to Find Parathyroid Adenomas
This study tests whether Flurpiridaz F-18 PET/CT can better detect abnormal parathyroid glands in adults with primary hyperparathyroidism before surgery.
-
Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
A short test is being done to see if a wearable, non-invasive ultrasound device can safely and tolerably help adults with OCD by targeting a brain region called the subthalamic nucleus.
-
Add-on anti-inflammatory therapy for adults with depression and high inflammation
This study tests whether adalimumab, given with your regular antidepressant Lexapro, can improve depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder and high inflammation.
-
FAP PET/CT in adults with pulmonary TB
This early-phase study tests whether a FAP PET/CT scan can map lung fibrosis in adults with pulmonary TB before starting treatment and after cure.
-
Gender Inclusive Sexuality Talks for Parents and Teens
This trial tests the GIST program to help parents talk with transgender, gender-diverse, lesbian, or bisexual female youth about sexuality at home.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.