Presentation Title
The Role of Healthcare Workers in the Care of Human Trafficking Survivors
Presenter Credentials
Darisel N. Ventura Rodriguez, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, second year, MD
Presenter Degree
MS
College
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Campus Location
Ft. Lauderdale
Format
Poster
IRB Approval Verification
Yes
Abstract
Purpose/Objective: Highlight the importance of increasing awareness among healthcare professionals on the identification and treatment of human trafficking victims. Background/Rationale: In the state of Florida, human trafficking (HT) remains a significant public health issue affecting hundreds of victims each year. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties reported 351 cases in 2019 alone. More than 50% of HT victims encounter healthcare providers while being exploited. For this reason, healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and treat victims of HT. The goal of this project was to educate healthcare providers and students on the identification of HT victims and how to provide trauma-informed care to these patients.
Methods/Methodology: Our group partnered with the University of Miami THRIVE clinic to hold two online seminars in the spring of 2021. Speakers from the THRIVE clinic provided information to the audience followed by a question-and-answer session. Pre- and post-surveys were developed using validated questions modified from Liverseed (2018) to assess health professionals on confidence and knowledge in treating HT victims. These surveys were given to audience members before and after the seminar to assess the efficacy of these events.
Results/Findings: 17 out of 27 seminar attendees took the surveys. There were statistically significant increases in the confidence and knowledge of participants after they had been educated by the speakers.
Conclusion: Seminars on the identification and treatment of HT victims have the potential to increase the confidence and knowledge of healthcare professionals. In the future, we would like to create a Canvas module that will educate NSU MD students on the identification and treatment of HT victims before they begin their clinical rotations. Interprofessional Implications: Healthcare professionals and students including medical doctors, nurses, dentists, occupational therapists, and caseworkers.
References:
Hays S. (2018). Florida Ranks Third in the Nation for Human Trafficking. Florida Nurse, 9-9. Retrieved February 19, 2021, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=f7cd1de8-1455-4df9-b36e-be9f1257aefa%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=128382512&db=ccm Office of Child Welfare (2020, October). Florida Department of Children and Families: Annual Human Trafficking Report . Florida Department of Children and Families. https://www.myflfamilies.com/. Price K, Nelson BD, Macias-Konstantopoulos WL. Understanding health care access disparities among human trafficking survivors: Profiles of health care experiences, access, and engagement. J Interpers Violence. Published online 2019:088626051988993. Zimmerman C, & Kiss L (2017). Human trafficking and exploitation: A global health concern. PLOS Medicine, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002437 Clawson HJ, Dutch N. Addressing the Needs of Victims of Human Trafficking: Challenges, Barriers, and Promising Practices. ASPE.HHS.gov. https://aspe.hhs.gov/report/addressing-needs-victims-human-trafficking-challenges-barriers-and-promising-practices#:~:text=Some of the services that, care assistance, and mental health. Published July 30, 2008. Accessed May 23, 2021.
Waugh L. Human Trafficking and the Health Care System. NCSL Legisbrief. 2018;26(14):1-2. Accessed May 29, 2021. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/human-trafficking-and-the-health-care-system.aspx The Role of Healthcare Providers in Combating Human Trafficking during Disasters. Phe.gov. Accessed May 29, 2021. https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/abc/Pages/human-trafficking.aspx Steiner JJ, Kynn J, Stylianou AM, Postmus JL. Providing services to trafficking survivors: Understanding practices across the globe. J Evid Inf Soc Work. 2018;15(2):150-168. Lamb-Susca L, & Clements PT (2018). Intersection of human trafficking and the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 44(6), 563-569. doi:10.1016/j.jen.2018.06.001 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Care Approach. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Liverseed G. Implementation of a Human Trafficking Response Protocol in a Reproductive Healthcare Setting: The Impact on Clinician Preparedness. Nursing Capstones. 2018;(47). https://commons.und.edu/nurs-capstones/47.
Selection Criteria
1
The Role of Healthcare Workers in the Care of Human Trafficking Survivors
Included in
Bioethics and Medical Ethics Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Women's Health Commons
The Role of Healthcare Workers in the Care of Human Trafficking Survivors
Purpose/Objective: Highlight the importance of increasing awareness among healthcare professionals on the identification and treatment of human trafficking victims. Background/Rationale: In the state of Florida, human trafficking (HT) remains a significant public health issue affecting hundreds of victims each year. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties reported 351 cases in 2019 alone. More than 50% of HT victims encounter healthcare providers while being exploited. For this reason, healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and treat victims of HT. The goal of this project was to educate healthcare providers and students on the identification of HT victims and how to provide trauma-informed care to these patients.
Methods/Methodology: Our group partnered with the University of Miami THRIVE clinic to hold two online seminars in the spring of 2021. Speakers from the THRIVE clinic provided information to the audience followed by a question-and-answer session. Pre- and post-surveys were developed using validated questions modified from Liverseed (2018) to assess health professionals on confidence and knowledge in treating HT victims. These surveys were given to audience members before and after the seminar to assess the efficacy of these events.
Results/Findings: 17 out of 27 seminar attendees took the surveys. There were statistically significant increases in the confidence and knowledge of participants after they had been educated by the speakers.
Conclusion: Seminars on the identification and treatment of HT victims have the potential to increase the confidence and knowledge of healthcare professionals. In the future, we would like to create a Canvas module that will educate NSU MD students on the identification and treatment of HT victims before they begin their clinical rotations. Interprofessional Implications: Healthcare professionals and students including medical doctors, nurses, dentists, occupational therapists, and caseworkers.
References:
Hays S. (2018). Florida Ranks Third in the Nation for Human Trafficking. Florida Nurse, 9-9. Retrieved February 19, 2021, from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=f7cd1de8-1455-4df9-b36e-be9f1257aefa%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=128382512&db=ccm Office of Child Welfare (2020, October). Florida Department of Children and Families: Annual Human Trafficking Report . Florida Department of Children and Families. https://www.myflfamilies.com/. Price K, Nelson BD, Macias-Konstantopoulos WL. Understanding health care access disparities among human trafficking survivors: Profiles of health care experiences, access, and engagement. J Interpers Violence. Published online 2019:088626051988993. Zimmerman C, & Kiss L (2017). Human trafficking and exploitation: A global health concern. PLOS Medicine, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002437 Clawson HJ, Dutch N. Addressing the Needs of Victims of Human Trafficking: Challenges, Barriers, and Promising Practices. ASPE.HHS.gov. https://aspe.hhs.gov/report/addressing-needs-victims-human-trafficking-challenges-barriers-and-promising-practices#:~:text=Some of the services that, care assistance, and mental health. Published July 30, 2008. Accessed May 23, 2021.
Waugh L. Human Trafficking and the Health Care System. NCSL Legisbrief. 2018;26(14):1-2. Accessed May 29, 2021. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/human-trafficking-and-the-health-care-system.aspx The Role of Healthcare Providers in Combating Human Trafficking during Disasters. Phe.gov. Accessed May 29, 2021. https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/abc/Pages/human-trafficking.aspx Steiner JJ, Kynn J, Stylianou AM, Postmus JL. Providing services to trafficking survivors: Understanding practices across the globe. J Evid Inf Soc Work. 2018;15(2):150-168. Lamb-Susca L, & Clements PT (2018). Intersection of human trafficking and the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 44(6), 563-569. doi:10.1016/j.jen.2018.06.001 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Care Approach. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Liverseed G. Implementation of a Human Trafficking Response Protocol in a Reproductive Healthcare Setting: The Impact on Clinician Preparedness. Nursing Capstones. 2018;(47). https://commons.und.edu/nurs-capstones/47.