Firearm Safety Screening is reaching more healthcare providers as Northwell Health expands its prevention tool through Epic health systems nationwide. As a result, hospitals can more easily include Firearm Safety Screening in routine patient care. The move also supports stronger research and improved patient safety through standardized data collection.
Northwell Health integrated its screening tool into the May 2026 version of Epic’s electronic health record system. Consequently, healthcare organizations using Epic can adopt the process more quickly. The tool helps clinicians discuss firearm access and related risks during patient visits. Moreover, it supports consistent reporting for future firearm injury prevention research.
Epic’s electronic health record system supports thousands of hospitals and health systems. Therefore, the addition of Firearm Safety Screening could broaden preventive care efforts nationwide. Since 2020, Northwell has screened more than 100,000 emergency room patients across its hospital network.
“Gun violence is a public health issue, and this integration is a critical step forward in addressing it as one,” said Chethan Sathya, MD, director of Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention and pediatric trauma surgeon. “By making our screening tool available to Epic health systems nationwide, we’re enabling health systems across the country to have meaningful conversations with patients about firearm safety and connect them with life-saving resources.”
Firearm Safety Screening Supports Better Prevention Efforts
The screening process helps clinicians assess firearm-related risks and connect patients with intervention programs. In addition, providers can offer gun locks and collect standardized health data.
“As a family medicine physician, I screen for depression, substance use, and dozens of other risk factors as part of routine care. Firearm access is no different,” Jackie Gerhart, MD, chief medical officer of Epic, said. “And by asking the same questions and recording the answers consistently, we can finally start to see the big picture.”
To support the rollout, Epic has published a white paper available to all Epic health systems that highlights Northwell’s screening methodology and provides guidance on implementing firearm injury prevention programs using the Epic EHR.
“When you are working on the frontlines, especially in the emergency department, the most effective interventions are those that integrate seamlessly into a clinician’s workflow and allow you to connect with patients in real time,” said John D’Angelo, MD, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “Thanks to the dedicated work from Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Epic, this digital tool will open the potential to identify patients at risk of gun violence and get them the support they need in the moment. This isn’t just about collecting data -it’s an example of how all health systems can collaborate to turn every patient encounter into a potential prevention moment. Northwell is proud to be helping lead this important work across the country.”
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News Source: Businesswire.com
