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<\/a><\/a>\nThe Epic EHR is used by thousands of hospitals and health systems to document medical histories, order tests, prescribe medications, and coordinate treatment for more than 325 million patients<\/a>. The integration of Northwell\u2019s screening tool into Epic provides a ready-to-use solution that health systems can choose to immediately implement while simultaneously advancing gun violence research through standardized data collection.<\/p> \n\u201cGun violence is a public health issue, and this integration is a critical step forward in addressing it as one,\u201d said Chethan Sathya, MD<\/a>, director of Northwell\u2019s Center for Gun Violence Prevention<\/a> and pediatric trauma surgeon. \u201cBy making our screening tool available to Epic health systems nationwide, we\u2019re enabling health systems across the country to have meaningful conversations with patients about firearm safety and connect them with life-saving resources.\u201d<\/p> \nSince 2020, Northwell has screened more than 100,000 emergency room patients, including pediatric cases, across its 28-hospital provider network. The health system\u2019s proven approach was developed through its National Institutes of Health-funded \u201cWe Ask Everyone\u201d<\/a> research study. The screening tool, which combines assessment of both firearm access and violence risk, enables clinicians to:<\/p> \nIn addition, consistent usage of the tool will standardize data collection, helping researchers drive future prevention strategies and identify intervention opportunities across populations. The goal is to make firearm safety screening as routine and actionable as other health risk assessments, like alcohol use or mental health screenings, already embedded in the EHR.<\/p> \n\u201cAs a family medicine physician, I screen for depression, substance use, and dozens of other risk factors as part of routine care. Firearm access is no different,\u201d Jackie Gerhart, MD, chief medical officer of Epic, said. \u201cAnd by asking the same questions and recording the answers consistently, we can finally start to see the big picture.\u201d<\/p> \nTo support the rollout, Epic has published a white paper available to all Epic health systems that highlights Northwell\u2019s screening methodology and provides guidance on implementing firearm injury prevention programs using the Epic EHR.<\/p> \n\u201cWhen you are working on the frontlines, especially in the emergency department, the most effective interventions are those that integrate seamlessly into a clinician\u2019s workflow and allow you to connect with patients in real time,\u201d said John D\u2019Angelo, MD, president and CEO of Northwell Health<\/a>. \u201cThanks to the dedicated work from Northwell\u2019s Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Epic, this digital tool will open the potential to identify patients at risk of gun violence and get them the support they need in the moment. This isn\u2019t just about collecting data -it\u2019s an example of how all health systems can collaborate to turn every patient encounter into a potential prevention moment. Northwell is proud to be helping lead this important work across the country.\u201d<\/p> \nNorthwell has led the charge to address gun violence as a public health crisis since 2019 and formed its Center for Gun Violence Prevention in 2020. The Center takes a multi-faceted approach that includes providing clinical care and support services to those impacted by gun violence, conducting research on firearm injury prevention and screening emergency room patients about their risk factors and home firearm safety.<\/p> \nIn 2022, Northwell expanded its impact by creating the National Health Care CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety, which now convenes 60 leaders from some of the nation's largest health systems and hospitals to develop best practices, mobilize the health care sector to depolarize gun safety discussions, and dramatically reduce gun violence so it is no longer a significant driver of hospital admissions and deaths.<\/p> \nThis past March at Northwell\u2019s 7th annual Gun Violence Prevention Forum,<\/a> the health system unveiled a first-of-its-kind digital toolkit<\/a>, supported by the Joyce Foundation, which enables other health systems to implement violence prevention programs, community outreach initiatives and evidence-based strategies to reduce firearm injury and death.<\/p> \nFor more information on the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, click here.<\/a><\/p> \nAbout Northwell Health\n\n