ACE: “What Happened to You” Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences or Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma is common within the United States. It is important for individuals to understand how trauma may affect their health and how trauma in childhood can have adverse effects on a child's development and health. To reduce retraumatization of patients, it is imperative to use trauma-informed approaches in a clinical encounter. Screening is an effective way to understand a patient's trauma history. When screening for trauma, it is important to take a family-centered approach and provide appropriate referrals if a patient screens positive for trauma. Primary care providers are essential players in addressing and preventing trauma.