Evaluation of an Embedded Health Psychologist Intervention for Obstetric Patients With Adverse Childhood Experiences

Screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and resilience in pregnancy is a promising practice for mitigating ACEs-related health complications. Yet, the best follow-up for pregnant patients with high ACEs and/or low resilience has not been established.

This study evaluates referrals to and participation in an embedded health psychologist (EHP) intervention for pregnant patients with ACEs and/or low resilience.

Patients in 3 Kaiser Permanente Northern California medical centers with ACEs who had also received resilience screening during standard prenatal care and who were participating in an EHP intervention were included (N = 910). The authors used multivariable logistic regression to examine whether ACEs (0, 1-2, 3+) and resilience (high vs low) were associated with referrals to and participation in EHP intervention. They also evaluated the impact of EHP intervention through clinician (N = 53) and patient (N = 51) surveys.

Patients with 3+ vs 0 ACEs were more likely to receive an EHP referral (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93-4.33) and were more likely to participate in EHP intervention (aOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.87-4.36). Those with low vs high resilience were also more likely to receive an EHP referral (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.32-2.62) and participate in EHP (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19-2.44). When ACEs and resilience were combined, those with high ACEs and low resilience had the greatest odds of referrals and participation. Patients and clinicians reported positive experiences with EHP intervention.

Patients with higher ACEs and lower resilience scores were more likely to be referred to and participate in EHP intervention, suggesting that at-risk patients can be successfully linked with a health psychologist when accessible within obstetric care.