Date of Award

Winter 12-16-2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Trina Larery

Second Advisor

Dr. Amanda Alonzo

Third Advisor

Dr. David Hurford

Abstract

The study included an educational module provided to healthcare providers in order to evaluate whether an increase in knowledge occurred based on responses to questions specific to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The study assessed the providers’ baseline knowledge on ACEs based on pretest data. This study aims to evaluate if there was increased knowledge after review of educational materials. Following the educational module, a follow-up posttest survey was provided via web link to assess the providers’ knowledge specific to this topic after receiving additional education. The study measured if providers lacked general awareness on ACEs, and if there was an increase in knowledge of ACEs after additional education was provided in hopes to determine if education may help providers identify ACEs and intervene as warranted. The education provided included risk factors of ACEs, definitions of ACES, how to identify, consequences of trauma, & intervention techniques that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The target population was healthcare providers that care for children and were recruited from various provider groups, online and in person via word of mouth. A link to a pretest and posttest survey as well as educational modules were provided. Participation was purely voluntary and unique identifying information was not visible to the researcher. A pretest survey was given to participants followed by digital educational materials and concluded with a posttest survey. Once the surveys were complete, score were analyzed.

A t-test was conducted on the pretest and posttest results by an external source. The study concluded with statistical significance (p

indicated that many providers are not well versed on adverse childhood experiences, how to identify them, risk factors, consequences, and interventions specific this topic. Although information is readily available, providers and the children they care for can greatly benefit from additional education on ACEs. This study confirms the need for additional education for providers in adverse childhood experiences.

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