Integrating Adverse Childhood Experiences Into Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring in childhood that can have severe effects on health throughout the life span. Quality nursing care includes the knowledge and skills to recognize patients who were exposed to ACEs and respond appropriately. Method: A scoping review of the literature was conducted as the foundation for implementing ACEs into baccalaureate nursing curricula. Results: A total of 22 articles were examined and included 15 research studies, two literature reviews, one quality improvement project, and four discussion articles. The literature reflects a prevalence for case-based ACEs content and the importance of student safety measures during content implementation. Conclusion: Knowledge derived from this review can assist nursing educators to integrate ACEs education into baccalaureate nursing curricula and identify research areas for further investigation. [ J Nurs Educ . 2022;61(12):673–678.]