Date of this Version
12-4-2021
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Human trafficking (HT) is an ongoing human rights violation with a global impact. It is one of the major social problems that affect individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Severe health consequences are linked with the traumatic experiences associated with HT. Despite its health effects, research has shown that screening patients for HT remains a challenge across healthcare settings for different reasons. Part of United Nations Global Initiative to combat HT is to improve screening, identification, and treatment of trafficking in persons (TIPs) in healthcare. Yet, despite those suggestions, lack of perception, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding HT indicators and communication strategies continue to hamper this process. Clinicians play a critical role in detecting signs of trafficking in their patients. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to understand concepts that can guide them to identification of TIPs and ensure that they are being provided with the appropriate assistance. Following the completion of a literature review, twenty-three studies were selected. The studies emphasized the seriousness of HT and the increasing need to identifying TIPs, particularly in the healthcare setting. The literature indicates that clinicians have a decreased understanding on HT.
The findings of the literature review were used to create a quality improvement (QI) project to improve clinician’s ability to identify and treat persons who are victims of HT. An evidence-based educational seminar was designed and delivered in person via PowerPoint Presentation. The Human Trafficking for Clinicians Survey scores were compared, and the results showed that following the educational intervention, overall scores were statistically significant. Moreover, it was supported that with a targeted educational intervention, clinician’s perception, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to HT indicators and communication strategies to identify TIPs can be enhanced significantly.
Recommended Citation
Ram, Sharda; Sherman, Deborah Witt; and Goldin, Deana, "Interventions for Clinicians in a Mobile Health Clinic for Underserved Populations Improving Screening, Identification, and Intervention of Trafficking in Persons: A Quality Improvement Project" (2021). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 43.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/43