Training School-Based Health Clinicians in New Mexico Regarding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Area of Science:

• Childhood trauma research
• Public health interventions
• Telehealth education

Background:

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to poor mental health, substance use, suicidality, and chronic pain.
• Telementoring can educate healthcare professionals to identify and support youth affected by ACEs.
• School-based health centers (SBHCs) are key settings for addressing youth ACEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the ACEs ECHO telementoring program for SBHC clinicians in New Mexico.
• Assess the program's impact on knowledge and confidence in managing youth with ACEs.
• Determine the program's potential as a capacity-building model.

Main Methods:

• The study evaluated the ACEs ECHO telementoring program, a novel initiative.
• The program utilized didactics, case-based learning, and a community of practice.
• It targeted school-based health clinicians in rural New Mexico.

Main Results:

• 704 unique participants, including SBHC clinicians from 25 counties, engaged in the program.
• Participants reported statistically significant increases in knowledge of ACE identification (p=0.001).
• Confidence in supporting at-risk youth and hope in helping them also significantly increased (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• The ACEs ECHO telementoring program demonstrates effectiveness in building capacity among SBHC clinicians.
• The model shows promise for educating healthcare professionals to identify and support youth with ACEs.
• This telementoring approach may be applicable to other rural settings and globally.