The impact of violence reduction initiatives on emergency department attendance. Issue 2 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rainey, SR; Simpson, J; Page, S; Crowley, M; Evans, J; Sheridan, M; Ireland, AJ
• Is Part Of: Scottish medical journal. Volume 60:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Violence reduction -- assault -- Emergency Department attendance; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0036933015576297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9330

Abstract

Background: Recent violence reduction initiatives in Glasgow have led to a reduction in recorded levels of violent crime. 1 This study evaluates the impact of these initiatives on assault-related emergency department attendances and admissions. Methods: A retrospective observational study conducted in Glasgow Royal Infirmary's emergency department comparing assault-related emergency department attendances and hospital admissions over two 30-day study periods (April 2010 and April 2012). The primary outcome measure was the change in assault-related emergency department attendances. The secondary outcome measure was the impact on assault-related hospital and critical care admissions. Results: In April 2010, there were 6098 emergency department attendances, 301 (4.9%) were due to assault. In April 2012, there were 7236 emergency department attendances, 263 (3.6%) were due to assault, representing a significant reduction in assault-related attendances ( p < 0.01). There were significant reductions in level 1 admissions 2010 n = 56 (19.2%), 2012 n = 36 (14.0%) p = 0.04 and critical care admissions, 2010 n = 5 (1.7%), 2012 n = 1 (0.4%) p = 0.04. Conclusions: Violence reduction initiatives in Glasgow have contributed to a reduction in assault-related emergency department attendance at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The reduction in hospital admissions, in particular critical care admissions, suggests a reduction in morbidity and cost to the National Health Service.