Safely storing firearms reduces injuries and saves lives. And yet, it is not commonly discussed in healthcare settings.
As one of the physicians we interviewed put it: “You need to know how to have the conversation. Because if you’re not comfortable having the conversation, then will you? And if you’re not going to have the conversation then you’re missing an opportunity to promote safety, and that is 100% what this is about.”
NEJM wanted to spread this life-saving message to healthcare professionals, educating and encouraging them to speak with gun owners about keeping firearms locked and secured when not in use.
We spoke with leading medical experts about key clinical opportunities for these conversations, focusing on specific tips and examples as well as showing various gun safety and storage devices.
In our story design process for every topic, we ask about assumptions, harmful narratives, and stereotypes that exist and should be challenged. Through our conversations with the story advisors, it became evident that one video was not sufficient to discuss the root causes and underlying issues behind an issue related to gun safety—community violence.
In collaboration with the story design team and with the leadership of Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers, we developed a concept for a second, conversation-based video. This video would center voices of formerly injured patients, medical professionals and violence recovery specialists to discuss how trauma impacts people and communities, and explore ways clinicians can be involved in advancing structural justice.
Rather than speak with individuals about traumatic experiences in isolation, this “conversation-based” approach was done as a group interview, providing space for individuals to hear from others. Trained psychologists who had existing, established relationships with the participants conducted the interviews.
Interviewees shared that discussing this topic as a group and voicing their experiences as interconnected was empowering and healing.
The video displays the struggles and solidarity of these individuals alongside the critical gaps within the healthcare system. The conversation inspires physicians to support solutions and interventions that not only reduce firearm injuries but to participate in broader healing through systemic change.
