Adverse childhood experiences screening and referral in a behavioral health clinic

Purpose: Research has demonstrated that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) constitute the distant etiology of many illnesses and behavioral problems in adults. ACEs are prevalent across national and racial boundaries; and not identifying them can lead to lingering physical and psychiatric symptoms that are difficult to treat. This study introduced a validated Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) in a behavioral health clinic in Central New Jersey. The purpose was to improve the identification of adult patients who had experienced childhood adversity and to facilitate their treatment and referral for further care. Methodology: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners were the providers in the study site. They were introduced to the ACE-Q in an education program. When they finished the education program, they were given copies of the ACE-Q to use in the initial psychiatric evaluation of patients at this outpatient clinic. A chart audit was carried out on the initial psychiatric evaluations that were done three weeks before, and three weeks after the ACE-Q was implemented. The data collected were analyzed and compared. Results: There was an increase in the rate of identification and referral of patients with ACEs though the result was not statistically significant. Implications for practice: Both physical and behavioral health problems can be related to the lingering effects of ACEs. Screening with the ACE-Q and identifying patients with ACEs enables providers to provide more appropriate management strategies for the patients, including referral for further assessment and care.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference