Evaluating the Be SMART Program for Secure Firearm Storage Counseling in Hospitalized Childrens Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

Firearm injuries are a leading cause of death among American youth, with many incidents involving unintentional shootings or suicides. This research evaluates the Be SMART program, an educational intervention aimed at improving secure firearm storage in the pediatric inpatient setting. The study compares this program to a control group receiving medication storage safety education, with the goal of increasing counseling rates and enhancing gun safety behaviors to reduce injuries and deaths in youth. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will watch a brief video about secure firearm storage from the Be SMART program, receive a cable gun lock, and a FAQ handout. The control group will view a medication storage safety video and receive related handouts. The study includes two follow-up surveys at one month and three months after the intervention, conducted electronically or by phone. Participants will be caregivers of hospitalized children who complete initial surveys and receive their assigned educational intervention. Researchers will measure secure firearm storage practices and whether participants ask about firearm storage at one and three months. Follow-up will involve multiple contact attempts by email and phone. The study aims to gather data on the effectiveness of the Be SMART program in promoting safe firearm storage behaviors over a three-month period.

BeSMART Secure Storage Counseling in the Inpatient Setting