Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence | Research at PCOM
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A Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence

Research at PCOM

RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS

Addressing Gun Violence 
Research at PCOM

Gun violence touches people and communities across the country. PCOM research is focused on understanding the prevalence of gun violence, improving clinician-patient communications and increasing awareness of community resources.

PCOM Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence

The Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence (HAAGV) special interest group at PCOM focuses on four areas:

  • Community outreach: The families and communities served by our urban, suburban and rural campuses in Philadelphia, PA; Suwanee, GA; and Moultrie, GA, respectively, are all exposed to gun violence in various forms.
  • Advocacy: PCOM students are passionate. Using their energy, PCOM is well-positioned to advocate for anti-gun violence legislation and practices.
  • Healthcare delivery: Processes would be established to screen and refer patients and families from our healthcare centers affected by gun violence to PCOM’s behavioral and mental health practitioners.
  • Research: PCOM is positioned to conduct meaningful research, on its own and in collaboration with other organizations.

PCOM is well-suited to address the devastating impact of gun impact through its healthcare centers, behavioral and mental health services, educators, researchers, students, and a deeply rooted commitment to supporting families and communities.

Gun Violence Research at PCOM

Causes of death by gun violence included suicides by gun injury, homicides, mass shootings, law enforcement confrontations, and accidental shootings. PCOM is conducting research to mitigate the impact of this public health crisis through a holistic and multifaceted approach. Specific initiatives include:

Researchers in this quality improvement study at two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia—Lancaster Avenue and Cambria Division—investigated an educational program designed to help clinicians confer with their patients about gun violence, prevention, and available resources for support and treatment.

Lead Investigator

Erik Langenau, DO, MS, MAPP

Research Team
  • Michael Roberts, PsyD
  • Alexa Kaminsky (DO ‘27)
  • Shannon Kelly (PsyD ‘27)
Objectives and Components
  1. Quality Improvement Study:
    • Investigated an educational program for clinicians to discuss gun violence, prevention, and support resources with patients
    • Conducted at two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia
    • Completed in May 2024
  2. Poster Presentation:
    • Presented at PCOM Annual Research Day on May 1, 2024
    • Titled: "Preliminary Investigation: Clinician-directed educational program on gun violence, prevention and available community resources in two community health centers in North and West Philadelphia"
    • Presenter: Alexa Kaminsky (OMS2)
  3. Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship:
    • Evaluated the effectiveness of a physician-directed training program on patient reports of gun violence discussions
    • Completed on May 1, 2024
Current Status

The project has completed its initial phases, including the quality improvement study, poster presentation, and fellowship evaluation. A manuscript titled "Feasibility study: Investigation of the impact of a clinician-directed educational program about gun violence, prevention and available community resources in two community urban healthcare centers" is currently in progress, led by Dr. Erik Langenau with team members Alexa Kaminsky and Dr. Michael Roberts.

PCOM’s Holistic Approach to Addressing Gun VIolence (HAAGV) Special Interest Group is examining gun violence in Philadelphia communities under the leadership of Erik Langenau, DO, MS, MAPP.

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Research at PCOM

PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.

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