A Pilot Study on the Awareness and Knowledge of Adverse Childhood Experiences Science and Trauma-informed Care among Medical School Students.

BACKGROUND

Childhood trauma is widespread and contributes to clinical, behavioral, and social health consequences. Despite more than 2 decades of research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study, ACEs science is still not fully integrated into medical school curricula. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to assess the level of awareness about ACEs and trauma-informed care (TIC) curricula among medical students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Medical College of Georgia using a sample of convenience. Enrolled first-, second-, and third-year students were invited to complete a survey during the Spring 2020 semester. A total of 194 students responded to specific questions about training on and knowledge of ACEs and principles of TIC.

RESULTS

The majority of students (80%) indicated they heard of the ACEs Study, and 70% reported they received information about ACEs. Regarding TIC, findings indicated less knowledge on cultural context related to stress and trauma. In addition, first-year students were less likely to know about TIC principles than third-year students.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, where recent surveillance data indicate that 60% of adults have experienced at least one ACE. Given that ACEs are widespread, effective educational practices to increase knowledge about ACEs science, and skills to carry out TIC practices may benefit future practicing physicians by introducing ACEs in the first-year curriculum.