Dr. Felitti,
Have you ever used or heard of a primary care practice using the ACE score as a screen? I'm working with a group in Vermont drafting screening guidelines for primary care. We're concerned about the length of any tool we propose, since the practices are so busy and a long screen tends to provoke a reaction of "I don't have time for that."
We're considering suggesting instead that practices offer the ACE score calculator to patients. Our thinking has been that the patient could be invited to fill out the calculator but not necessarily return the sheet to the nurse/doctor - instead, they would only be asked their score, as in indicator of the "trauma-load."
All patients indicating any past trauma would be offered an appointment with a therapist. We haven't gotten beyond that point yet!
We are strongly encouraged, of course, to be offering only evidence-based tools, so I'm wondering if there are any studies of the ACE score (I haven't found any), or any other materials supporting its use.
ALso, do you have an opinion on this idea?
Best regards,
Kathy Hentcy