Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes Toward, and Identification of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care. Perm J 2024 Mar 15;28(1):91-99
Date
01/29/2024Pubmed ID
38284149Pubmed Central ID
PMC10940231DOI
10.7812/TPP/23.108Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85187659233 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences that occur prior to age 18 years and can have a long-term impact on adult physical and mental health. Knowledge of ACEs, including the link between ACEs and health, and trauma-informed care (TIC), is essential for medical professionals to ensure respectful and compassionate care for those with a history of childhood adversity. This study examined medical students' knowledge, attitudes toward, and identification of ACEs and TIC to inform curricular efforts.
METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, students were recruited from 2 medical schools, one allopathic (medical degree) and one osteopathic (doctor of osteopathic medicine degree) to complete an electronic needs assessment survey. The survey included a patient vignette to assess students' ability to identify ACEs as contributing factors to patient health. The students were blind to the full purpose of the study to obtain an objective measurement of their ability to identify ACEs as contributors to patient health. Additional questions targeting knowledge and attitudes of ACEs and TIC were devised from previously published surveys with supplemental study-designed questions.
RESULTS: Two hundred forty students completed the survey. Results demonstrated variable ability to identify ACEs; strong general knowledge of ACEs, with less developed practical knowledge; and overall positive attitudes toward ACEs and TIC. No differences were found between the medical degree and doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, or year in program.
CONCLUSIONS: Medical students would benefit from curricular efforts that help to increase knowledge of the link between ACEs and health, increase practical application of ACEs and TIC, and improve their ability to identify ACEs in clinical scenarios.
Author List
Piszczor R, Barry C, Gundacker C, Wallace C, Shibuya J, Perle JAuthor
Constance Gundacker MD Interim Chief, Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Mental Health
Students, Medical
