The impact of violence reduction initiatives on emergency department attendance

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.

Keywords: Emergency Department attendance; Violence reduction; assault.