McCrae, Julie.; Burkhardt, Tiffany. – 2020
This report shares findings from a study that evaluated a project that was developed to address the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on the health and well-being of children and families in Pueblo, Colorado. The Support, Connect, and Nurture (SCAN) intervention provided families with a clinic-based Family Development Specialist (FDS), connected families with evidence-based, community parenting programs and other support resources, and provided routine office visits enhanced through educated healthcare and administrative staff. Adult patients received education about risks associated with ACEs, protective factors that can help reduce ACEs’ impact, and resources available in the community. The program provides services to women receiving prenatal care and parents of children age birth to 17. The evaluation study included 899 adult patients and 23 health clinic staff who participated in the intervention from October 2015 through March 2019. Findings indicate: SCAN patients reported an average of 2.5 ACEs, with 30% reporting 4 or more ACEs; the most commonly reported ACEs, endorsed by over 30% of respondents, were parental divorce or separation, substance abuse in the household, and emotional abuse; ACEs were correlated with the frequency of recent depressive symptoms; ACE scores were also associated with tobacco use, body weight, less frequent exercise, and less healthy diet; 39% of SCAN patients accepted referrals to community services and programs; SCAN participants consistently showed a reduction in emergency department use after having received SCAN services; participants reported high satisfaction with both their overall healthcare visit and the portion of the visit that included the SCAN FDS; and clinicians reported that having SCAN integrated into clinic services helps them meet the goals of a medical home that is team-based, comprehensive, and designed around the needs of patients and partnership with parents. 32 references. (Author abstract modified)