Assistant Professor Christopher St. Vil and colleagues publish article, "Testing the efficacy of a hospital-based violence intervention program: protocol and design"

Kudos to Assistant Professor Christopher St. Vil and his colleagues on the publication of their article, "Testing the efficacy of a hospital-based violence intervention program: protocol and design" in Injury Prevention.

St. Vil, C., Hall, E., Sheppard, M. & Williams, M. (2020). Testing the efficacy of a hospital-based violence intervention program: Protocol design and methodology. Injury Prevention.

Introduction: Hospital-based violence intervention programmes (HBVIPs) are a promising strategy to reduce trauma recidivism and promote safety among victims of violent injury. While previous studies have demonstrated cost-effectiveness and positive impact on the lives of victims, there are a number of key limitations in the study designs of this evidence base. This study seeks to address the methodological shortcomings of previous research, determine the efficacy of HBVIPs using a randomised control study design, and provide a better understanding of successful service allocation within an HBVIP.

Methods and analysis: The current study is 1 of 12 demonstration projects being implemented around the country with the purpose of bolstering the ability to provide effective, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed services for boys and men harmed by violence. We propose a randomised control trial in which male victims of violence receive one of two interventions: treatment as usual versus enhanced services. The purpose is to determine which intervention leads to reductions in trauma recidivism over the period of 1 year from contact with the programme. Differences will also be monitored on measures of mental health, quality of life and attitudes towards violence. Analyses employed will include Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression with death and recidivism being the outcomes of interest.

Ethics and dissemination: Study procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University at Buffalo and four hospitals. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Keywords: implementation / translation; penetrating injury; public health; randomised trial; treatment; violence.