The Center for Youth Wellness (CYW, a Program of Safe & Sound) and the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) collaborated on a project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in pediatric primary care settings. Having completed the 36-month Trauma-Informed ACEs Screening and Intervention Evaluation (TASIE) Project in May, the data has now been analyzed to understand lessons to be learned for future implementation.

The data shows an overwhelmingly positive response to the project from practices, providers and patients, who all increased their knowledge of the concept of trauma and potentially improved health outcomes as a result. The considerations relate to ways in which organizations can prepare themselves for implementing ACEs screening to ensure that, as in this pilot project, the screening results in an effective experience that provides valuable insight into patient needs, a more holistic and informed care approach and helps improve communication and relationships between patients and providers.

In addition, nearly all respondents found that participating in a cohort of practices working towards common goals and the associated monthly support sessions to be Moderate or Significant contributors to their ACEs screening work. Specifically, participants indicated that the sessions increased providers’ understanding of ACEs screening implementation and provided information immediately applicable to their ACEs screening work. This suggests that a unified implementation of ACEs screening nationwide could be beneficial for efficacy.

The research endorsed our hypothesis that ACEs screening, when done well, is an important and useful care delivery intervention. While more study is needed to determine the longer-term impacts of ACEs screening and its contribution to health outcomes, the shorter-term effects of programs like the TASIE Project are clearly worthwhile.