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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care: An Online Module for Pediatricians
Assignment/exercise   Open access   Peer reviewed

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care: An Online Module for Pediatricians

Anna Schmitz, Susan Light, Courtney Barry and Kelly Hodges
MedEdPORTAL, Vol.15, 10851
11/01/2019
DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10851
PMCID: PMC6952282
PMID: 31934614
url
https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10851View
Published (Version of record)Zip file with 3 docx and pptx files Open Access

Abstract

The epidemic of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has many known health consequences. Robust research has linked ACEs to increased morbidity and mortality. Because of their frequent interaction with children and their families, pediatricians should be educated to recognize ACEs and practice trauma-informed care (TIC). There is a lack of education for pediatric residents on ACEs despite their significance. Our goals were to identify residents' baseline perceived importance, confidence, and frequency of discussion of ACEs, TIC, toxic stress, and resiliency and evaluate the efficacy of an educational module addressing these topics. A 25-minute self-directed module was created for pediatric residents. The module was accessible online and independently completed by residents during the child advocacy rotation. Pre- and postmodule surveys using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = , 5 = ) were administered, and median scores of 11 participants who completed both surveys were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Presurvey results demonstrated that residents were not confident discussing ACEs, TIC, or resiliency (median = 2). Residents reported that it was very important to discuss ACEs, toxic stress, and resiliency with families (median = 5), although they were rarely discussed in clinic (median = 1 or 2). Matched pre/post data showed significant increases in knowledge, confidence, and discussion frequency. The results demonstrated a need for ACE education for pediatric residents. The matched survey results showed the module's success in knowledge and behavior change. The module can be adapted to other learners to enhance understanding of ACEs. Educational Objectives By the end of this activity, learners will be able to: 1. Explain the science behind the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress on the health and development of children and the well-being of their families. 2. List the ways that ACEs and childhood toxic stress impact the health and development of children. 3. Give examples of how a pediatrician could initiate a conversation about previous trauma with a parent or patient. 4. Recognize the interactions and behaviors of patients and families who have been affected by toxic stress. 5. Describe approaches to helping parents and children who have been affected by toxic stress.
 Pediatrics Preventive Medicine Adverse Childhood Experiences Resident Education Trauma-Informed Care

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