Integrating ACE-informed care into medical practice: A needs assessment of healthcare providers in the Austin area.

Project Overview

The TXICFW team and members of the Pediatric Trauma-Informed Research & Care Collaboration led a study on integrating ACE-informed care into medical practice. The research team conducted in-person interviews and administered online surveys to healthcare providers who treat children. Participants included pediatric and freestanding emergency rooms in the city of Austin, TX, and surrounding communities.

This study sought to:

1. Assess the familiarity and experience of healthcare providers with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) informed care.
2. Assess the value and feasibility of implementing ACE-informed care.
3. Assess the comfort and confidence of healthcare providers exploring ACEs with patients and their families.

Collaborators on this project included Dr. Heather Larkin, Dr. Amanda Barczyk, and Dr. Karla Lawson, as well as student research assistants Shannon Malone, Marian Morris, Catherine LaBrenz, Peter Dell, and Heather Van Diest.

This project was completed in 2020. Please contact the Principal Investigator with any questions.