Abstract
Problem
Health care professionals have not been successful in recognizing or rescuing victims
of human trafficking. The purpose of this project was to implement a screening system
and treatment algorithm in the emergency department to improve the identification
and rescue of victims of human trafficking. The lack of recognition by health care
professionals is related to inadequate education and training tools and confusion
with other forms of violence such as trauma and sexual assault.
Methods
A multidisciplinary team was formed to assess the evidence related to human trafficking
and make recommendations for practice. After receiving education, staff completed
a survey about knowledge gained from the training. An algorithm for identification
and treatment of sex trafficking victims was implemented and included a 2-pronged
identification approach: (1) medical red flags created by a risk-assessment tool embedded
in the electronic health record and (2) a silent notification process. Outcome measures
were the number of victims who were identified either by the medical red flags or
by silent notification and were offered and accepted intervention.
Results
Survey results indicated that 75% of participants reported that the education improved
their competence level. The results demonstrated that an education and treatment algorithm
may be an effective strategy to improve recognition. One patient was identified as
an actual victim of human trafficking; the remaining patients reported other forms
of abuse.
Implications for Practice
Education and a treatment algorithm were effective strategies to improve recognition
and rescue of human trafficking victims and increase identification of other forms
of abuse.
Key words
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References
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Biography
Amber Egyud is Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, Forbes Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Monroeville, PA.
Biography
Kimberly Stephens is Assistant Professor of Nursing, Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA.
Biography
Brenda Swanson-Bierman is Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies, Rangos School of Health Science, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Biography
Marge DiCuccio is Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Patient Care Services, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA.
Biography
Kimberly Whiteman is Assistant Professor of Nursing, Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 18, 2017
Footnotes
Earn Up to 6.5 Hours. See page 607.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
