Mail-Order Firearm Locks
We have worked with clinicians at KP Washington and KP Colorado to set up the ability for providers to distribute firearm locks and medication lock boxes via mail, by placing an order through the EHR. Read here to learn more about how we implemented this program at KPWA and for open source resources to aid others in implementation.
Goal of Mail-Order Lock Program
We have built a program to allow providers to "prescribe" firearm locks and medication lock boxes to patients and families through our electronic health system.
Why Distribute Firearm Locks
- Firearms are now the leading cause of death in the United States for young people. About half of these deaths are suicides.1
- Firearm access is a modifiable risk factor for injury and death. Even a modest increase in safe firearm storage could prevent up to 32% of firearm deaths in youth, including suicide.2
- Pediatric primary care is a prime point for intervention. >75% of youth visit primary care in the year prior to suicide attempt.3
- Secure firearm storage interventions are not routinely delivered in pediatrics.4
Some Resources
- A clinical update explaining when the service went live at KPWA with related resources
- An example of detailed instructions for clinicians explaining the process for placing an order in HealthConnect
- Lock instruction video links:
- Clinic firearm lock intro poster for clinics to use when implementing a program
References
1 Goldstick et al. (2022)
2 Monuteaux et al (2019)
3 Lee et al. (2022)
4 Beidas et al. (2019)
Here are some example detailed instructions for clinicians to explain how to discuss and order locks for patients.
