Educating through Assessment of Emergency Department Healthcare Provider Knowledge of Human Trafficking Indicators and Resources


Karen L. Hoblet, PhD, MSN, RN, CNL | September 19 | 9:00-10:00 AM

Topic: Healthcare, Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Location: Room 2582

Human trafficking is a billion dollar industry that trades human capitol obtained through coercion, fraud, or force for commercial gain. Human trafficking has been noted globally, throughout the United States and Toledo, Ohio has been labeled a hub for this activity (Provance, 2010). Literature highlighted that nurses and other healthcare professionals are positioned to identify and help rescue victims. This descriptive study assessed knowledge of indicators or human trafficking and resources to rescue using a 14-item tool, Assessment of Human Trafficking Awareness Survey. Indicators of human trafficking are not well identified by nurses or healthcare providers and knowledge of resources to rescue is inconsistent. Education about human trafficking is critical for nurses and other healthcare professionals and should be included in curriculum and/or required continuing education.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Discuss indicators of human trafficking

·  Describe how assessment of indicators can facilitate identification and rescue

·  Explain educational pathways for improving knowledge of indicators of human trafficking

About the Presenter