Analyzing Annals: Firearms & Public Health

A survey of U.S. internists (Internists' Attitudes Toward Prevention of Firearm Injury ) asked whether physicians believe firearm-related violence is a public health issue, whether doctors should have the right to discuss it with patients, and if they favor various public policies aimed at reducing it. A position paper (Reducing Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in the United States: Executive Summary of a Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians) from the ACP outlines its recommendations for reducing firearm-related injury and death in the U.S.

Use these papers to:

Complete the questionnaire that was used for the study (it is provided as a supplement to the paper, or use the questions listed in the tables and figures). After, look the results of this national survey. Were you surprised by any of the results?
Do you think physicians have the right (or even responsibility) to use their professional standing to influence patients' opinions or public policy on firearm-related violence?
Do you think the ACP is right to take a stand on this issue? Do you agree with it? Does it go too far, or not far enough?