Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background
Human trafficking is a global pandemic that affects boys and girls of all ages– this is a hidden population that allows healthcare providers to intervene due to the likelihood that they are brought into care. Currently no national standard exists to help with the identification of victims.
Objectives
The purpose of our evidence-based project is to determine whether an increase in education has a positive outcome on the identification of victims within a healthcare setting.
Methods
The student team reviewed current literature from databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and the National Library of Medicine to determine the impact of education, trauma-informed care, and health screening tools on the identification of human and sex trafficking victims.
Results
Fifteen studies were selected that focused on available education, screening tools, and common red flags that can be found in the population. Using these publications, the student team determined that there appears to be a positive correlation with an increase in education and confidence and knowledge on identifying human trafficking victims.
Conclusions
There is not enough research to draw a direct correlation between education and identification. Although the results were often subjective when measuring healthcare professionals' confidence and education, the overall conclusions showed that a nationally standardized curriculum and screening tools could be beneficial in the identification of trafficked children.
Keywords: human trafficking, education, nursing, identification, healthcare, sex trafficking
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Mary Pate
Nursing Education and Identification of Sex and Human Trafficking Victims
Background
Human trafficking is a global pandemic that affects boys and girls of all ages– this is a hidden population that allows healthcare providers to intervene due to the likelihood that they are brought into care. Currently no national standard exists to help with the identification of victims.
Objectives
The purpose of our evidence-based project is to determine whether an increase in education has a positive outcome on the identification of victims within a healthcare setting.
Methods
The student team reviewed current literature from databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and the National Library of Medicine to determine the impact of education, trauma-informed care, and health screening tools on the identification of human and sex trafficking victims.
Results
Fifteen studies were selected that focused on available education, screening tools, and common red flags that can be found in the population. Using these publications, the student team determined that there appears to be a positive correlation with an increase in education and confidence and knowledge on identifying human trafficking victims.
Conclusions
There is not enough research to draw a direct correlation between education and identification. Although the results were often subjective when measuring healthcare professionals' confidence and education, the overall conclusions showed that a nationally standardized curriculum and screening tools could be beneficial in the identification of trafficked children.
Keywords: human trafficking, education, nursing, identification, healthcare, sex trafficking