DISCUSSING YOUR ROLE IN DHS SCREENING IMPLEMENTATION

Congratulations on becoming an ACES/SBDOH screener! Regardless of your role/position at your facility, you have chosen to support children, youth, adults, and their families in the discussion of social, behavioral, emotional, and physical well-being.

This guide was written specifically to help you learn how to do so in a way that is supportive, non-judgmental, and effective. By empowering patients to acknowledge their stress and overcome their adversities, you can make a positive and lasting difference in their lives.

  1. Develop the skills you need to provide effective, trauma-informed practices to successfully screen for patient experiences while also performing other important screenings and questionnaires
  2. Use easy-to-understand ways to explain toxic stress and its impact on overall health to begin the patient’s treatment and healing process
  3. Discuss findings with the appropriate members of your healthcare team to continue the patient’s treatment and healing process
  4. Relay health information to patients and their families through different avenues

GOOD PRACTICES IN SCREENING ADMINISTRATION

  • Who answers questions:
    • If the patient is <12 years, the patient’s caregiver should answer the screening questions.
    • If the patient is 12 years or older, the patient should answer the screening questions.
  • Screen patients/caregivers in their preferred language.
  • While conversation tone and agreeability to screen will vary from patient to patient, it is essential to practice trauma-informed care with EVERY patient/caregiver.
    • A trauma- informed approach with a friendly, positive tone, and sensitivity can increase communication and encourage participation. Acknowledge stress and adversities.
  • Detailed discussion about screening results should be done by providers and designated staff ONLY.
  • Consider the patient and their family as a whole.
  • Take into consideration their time, emotions, reservations, etc. and validate them.
  • If a patient and/or caregiver begins a conversation about school, their children, life, etc., it is fine to allow a small amount of time for a casual conversation. This creates a sense of trust and comfort between healthcare workers and patients. It is the healthcare worker’s job to guide the conversation in a friendly and professional manner.
  • It is good practice to make small notes during phone conversations/screenings. These notes can help you review your findings at the end of the conversation and have a discussion about allocating resources for the patient/family.
  • The notes are also beneficial to share with providers, who can use the information to identify any additional issues not addressed or answered during the telephone screening(s).
  • If a patient or family member is in immediate danger, general screeners must notify a provider IMMEDIATELY. Providers must contact the appropriate agency. All medical team members are mandated reporters.
    • Harmful situations will not always be explicitly shared by the patient/caregiver. It is appropriate to probe for more information if you have a concern.
    • Use your best judgment. If something does not feel right, general screeners should notify a provider and providers should explore and/or consult with the appropriate agency.
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