Curricular Interventions in Medical Schools for Assessing Adverse Childhood Experience

Scientific evidence is accumulating about the range of adverse health, mental health, and risky behavioral sequelae across the life continuum arising from exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research findings show a clear relationship between the number of ACEs experienced by a person during childhood and the adverse health outcomes of adulthood. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the extent to which medical schools are teaching medical students about ACEs. Published articles were identified through searches of several databases using a combination of major and minor MeSH terms. Out of a total of 715 publications screened, 13 studies were identified that focused on medical education efforts to address ACEs. Educational interventions were conducted in a variety of formats, including lectures, perspective-taking exercises, and small group discussions. Our systematic review found little evidence to suggest that medical schools are teaching students how to address ACEs among their patients.