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.
- 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
- Use easy-to-understand ways to explain toxic stress and its impact on overall health to begin the patient’s treatment and healing process
- Discuss findings with the appropriate members of your healthcare team to continue the patient’s treatment and healing process
- 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.