Using Social Simulation to Teach Rehabilitation Science Students About Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma...

Recent research has identified the relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult adoption of health risk behaviors, negative health outcomes, and measures of well-being. Given these findings, it is important to consider training models that educate allied health students about the relevance of ACEs to adult health across a myriad of practice settings and equip them with the skills necessary to help patients with a history of ACEs. Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are key members of the health care team, well positioned to address ACEs with their patients. This study reports on the evaluation of an innovative simulation-based training program, Professional ACE-Informed Training for Health Professionals (PATH), conducted with 26 second-year PT and OT students. Pre- and post-training measures consisted of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Adult Hope Scale, and a test of knowledge and familiarity with ACEs and trauma-informed care (TIC). Results indicate that self-efficacy, hope, and knowledge of ACEs and TIC increased from pre- to post-tests for both PT and OT students. Qualitative results demonstrate that PT and OT students appreciated participating in the training model and learned a great deal from their experiences; however, they would like even more information and instruction on how to work effectively with patients who have a history of ACEs. Implications of this study and a discussion of the importance of continuing and expanding such training in rehabilitation sciences education and training are provided.