Abstract
To determine the feasibility and provider acceptability of implementing assessments for parental ACEs within the context of an outpatient pediatric clinic, and to compare parental ACE detection rates between an item-level response tool and an aggregate-level response tool. A convenience sample of parents completed one of two assessment tools during their child’s four month well visit. Detection of ACE scores ≥4 was compared between the two tools. Providers conducting the assessments completed a qualitative survey describing their experiences. Detection rates were significantly higher with the use of an aggregate-level reporting tool compared to item-level tool (11.2% versus 8.1%, p = 0.013). Provider feedback on the assessment process was positive; providers reported improved clinic visits without undue burden in terms of time constraints or parental resistance to ACE assessments. Implementing parental ACE assessments is feasible with limited resources in an outpatient setting. Providers and parents appear receptive to the conversations about past trauma, and find value in including this information in their counseling during well visits. Parents appear to be more likely to disclose ACEs when a degree of privacy is given through aggregate-level versus item-level reporting.
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Abbreviations
- ACE:
-
Adverse Childhood Experience
- TCC:
-
The Children’s Clinic
- CD-RISC:
-
Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale
- BRFSS:
-
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
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Gillespie, R.J., Folger, A.T. Feasibility of Assessing Parental ACEs in Pediatric Primary Care: Implications for Practice-Based Implementation. Journ Child Adol Trauma 10, 249–256 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0138-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0138-z