ED-based interventions to break cycle among patients presenting with violence-related injuries.

Studies have shown that patients who present to the ED with violence-related injuries are at high risk of being involved in future violent incidents. Consequently, investigators say the ED is an ideal setting to intervene with these individuals with the kind of care and support that will lead them toward a safer path. Helping Hurt People (HHP), a hospital-based trauma support program developed at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, has been fulfilling this function at Hahnemann University Hospital and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia since 2007, and now the program is being expanded to three other trauma centers, along with a research program aimed at documenting HHP's effectiveness. When a patient presents with injuries from an assault or other form of violence, ED personnel are encouraged to contact the HHP social worker who then follows up with the patient. Interventions offered through HHP include a range of social and mental health services such as behavioral health counseling, job placement assistance, help with housing, and educational guidance. Program administrators say HHP interventions have reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and that it has successfully linked many patients with health insurance and primary care. With expansion of the program to three new trauma centers, more comprehensive research is planned to document the program's effectiveness.