Use of national data systems for firearm-related injury surveillance

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of federal data systems that report national data on fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries and associated risk factors and behaviors. Results: There are 13 federal data systems that provide useful information for national surveillance of firearm-related injuries in the United States. Each data system has useful features and limitations. Each provides a different methodologic approach to capture data for monitoring and characterizing firearm-related deaths or injuries, or behavioral risks associated with unintentional and violent events. Conclusion: Although much progress has been made over the past decade to improve national data on firearm-related injuries, many gaps still remain. A mechanism is needed to better coordinate and integrate federal efforts to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on firearm-related injury.