Resident Physicians' Perceptions of Trauma Informed Care: Findings from a Small-scale Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Medical Education

Background:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening is crucial for trauma-informed care (TIC) to mitigate negative health outcomes.
• Physician screening and intervention rates for ACEs remain low, particularly in pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand resident physicians' perceptions of TIC.
• To identify necessary training areas for improving ACEs screening and intervention.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving 38 resident physicians from a Midwestern Family Medicine residency.
• Data collected via a 22-question survey (Likert-scale and open-ended questions).
• Quantitative (descriptive frequencies) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods used.

Main Results:

• Residents recognized the utility of ACEs screening but reported low confidence in screening and intervention.
• Identified barriers included lack of time, discomfort, perceived inability to help, insufficient knowledge, and competing clinical priorities.

Conclusions:

• Family Medicine residents acknowledge the importance of ACEs screening and intervention.
• Barriers such as low confidence and competing demands hinder routine practice.
• Graduate medical education should develop training systems to equip residents with skills and resources for ACEs screening and intervention in primary care.