Transforming Care: Recognizing Trauma As a Means of Engaging Patients

Nearly 20 years after the landmark “Adverse Childhood Experiences” study linked traumatic childhood experiences to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., some primary care practices have begun screening for exposure to trauma. To engage patients whose childhood and adult experiences may be affecting their health and willingness to seek care, these practices are adopting the principles of “trauma-informed care.”