Evaluation of Redthread Youth Violence Intervention Programme

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Evaluation of the Redthread Youth Violence Intervention Programme in Acute Hospitals: An Analysis of Impact on Re-injury and Re-attendance Rates

  • IRAS ID

    277604

  • Contact name

    Adam Brooks

  • Contact email

    adam.brooks@nuh.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 10 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Youth violence poses a major burden on both society and the healthcare system, particularly in major cities. In Nottingham, between 2012 and 2016, there were more than 10,000 assault-related injuries presenting to the Queens Medical Centre, with 463 of these occurring in people aged under 25. Both victims and perpetrators of youth violence may suffer injury requiring attendance at the hospital emergency department. Many such individuals require social support in addition to their immediate medical needs. Strategies to reduce the incidence of youth violence remain high on the national agenda. Since early 2018 the Redthread Youth Violence Intervention Programme (YVIP) has been implemented at Nottingham University Hospitals and University Hospitals Birmingham. The programme focuses on the idea of the ‘teachable moment’, a point of intense crisis, when the young person is nursing a serious injury in the daunting environment of a busy hospital, acting as a catalyst for pursuing positive change. After injury due to violence or exploitation all 11-24 year olds are eligible for the Redthread YVIP aiming to support and mentor individuals following their hospital admission with the aim of reducing re-injury rates.

    Through the present study we plan to evaluate the Redthread YVIP at Nottingham University Hospitals and University Hospitals Birmingham. By undertaking a retrospective analysis of data held on individuals who do and do not engage with the service our primary aim is to assess whether the YVIP reduces re-injury and re-attendance to the Emergency Department. We also plan to analyse the characteristics of those who decline engagement with the service in order to identify how such individuals may be approached and supported more effectively.

  • REC name

    London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/LO/0691

  • Date of REC Opinion

    16 Jun 2020

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion