Firearm safety counseling is common but inconsistent: A survey of pediatric clinicians in the Southeastern United States

Objective

Firearm injury is the leading cause of death among children. Evidence shows that counseling around firearm safety from trusted clinicians increases safe storage practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended pediatricians provide counseling on the topic to patients and caregivers, yet gaps remain in understanding how counseling is delivered, especially in the Southeastern US. This study aimed to describe patterns of and barriers to firearm anticipatory guidance among pediatric clinicians in the Southeast.