Baseline Needs Assessment for a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program 1-Year Pilot

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to measure and describe the baseline participant needs of a hospital-based violence intervention 1-year pilot program, assess differences in expected hospital revenue based on changes in health insurance coverage resulting from program implementation and discuss the program’s limitations. Methods: Between September 2020 and September 2021 Encompass Omaha enrolled 36 participants. A content analysis of 1199 progress notes detailing points of contact with participants was performed to determine goal status. Goals were categorized and goal status was defined as met, in process, dropped, or participant refusal. Results: The most frequently identified needs were help obtaining short-term disability assistance or completing FMLA paperwork (86.11%), immediate financial aid (86.11%), legal aid (83.33%), access to food (83.3%), and navigating medical issues other than the primary reason for hospitalization (83.33%). Conclusions: Meeting the participants’ short-term needs is critical for maintaining their engagement in the long-term. Further, differences in expected hospital revenue for pilot participants compared with a control group were examined, and this analysis found a reduction in medical and facility costs for program participants. The pilot stage highlighted how complex the needs and treatment of victims of violence are. As the program grows and its staff become more knowledgeable about social work, treatment, and resource access processes, the program will continue to improve.

Hospital Based Violence Intervention Programs Using Peer Support Specialists: A Concise Review

“…The third study, by Foje et al (2022), was a 1-year pilot HVIP in Nebraska that focused on connecting victims of violence with peer support specialists to assist in goal attainment (n = 36). Out of 12 goals, the top goals were identified as disability or The Family and Medical Leave Act (n = 31), immediate financial aid (n = 31), food (n = 30), legal (n = 30), other medical (n = 30), and Medicaid enrollment (n = 11) (Foje et al, 2022). Only 19% of the primary goals were achieved at the 1-year mark, while 83% of victims were still working towards meeting those goals.…”