S R Rainey1, J Simpson2, S Page3, M Crowley4, J Evans5, M Sheridan6, A J Ireland6. 1. Emergency Medicine Registrar, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK stevenrainey@nhs.net. 2. GPST1, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK. 3. FY2, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK. 4. Medical Student, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK. 5. Reader in Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Stirling University, UK. 6. Emergency Medicine Consultant, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.
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.
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.
Authors: Paul Vulliamy; Mark Faulkner; Graham Kirkwood; Anita West; Breda O'Neill; Martin P Griffiths; Fionna Moore; Karim Brohi Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-11-06 Impact factor: 2.692