Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), classically defined as abuse, violence exposure, and family dysfunction, have been shown to cause long-term negative health effects. Data from the 2011-12 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) revealed that 31.3% of children 0-17 years old in the United States have been exposed to ACEs. This study aimed to define the prevalence of ACEs in a pediatric ED. Methods: This was a prospective, observational …