Citation

Rainey SR, Simpson J, Page S, Crowley M, Evans J, Sheridan M, Ireland AJ. Scott. Med. J. 2015; 60(2): 90-94.

Affiliation

Emergency Medicine Consultant, Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Royal Society of Medicine Press)

DOI

10.1177/0036933015576297

PMID

25922413

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.

Language: en