Evaluation of a CE Course on Teaching Nurses how to Identify and Report Trafficked Victims
Madelaine Lawrence, PhD, MSN, RN | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 PM
Topic: Research, Healthcare | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Recent studies (Lederer & Wetzel, 2014) reveal near 88% of trafficked victims are examined in a healthcare facility while in servitude. Several researchers (Becker & Bechtel, 2015; Shandro et al., 2016; Gibbons & Stoklosa, 2016; Mumma et al., 2017) identified the following health issues occurring to trafficked victims: physical injuries, infections particularly urinary tract, head trauma, untreated chronic health conditions, diseases from unsanitary housing and dirty needles, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, OB/GYN issues, and psychosocial distress. Unfortunately, only a limited number of victims are identified even though health professionals, especially nurses (currently 3.8 million), have the opportunity to assess the victims in a private and safe examination environment. A three-contact hour continuing education course on human trafficking, including recommendations from the Florida Board of Nursing and Sevens & Berishaj (2016), was developed and piloted by twelve nurses. From the initiation of the human trafficking course in July 2018, 1,250 nurses participated in the course. A pre-and post-test using Survey Monkey regarding confidence in assessing patients for signs and symptoms of trafficking was added to the course. Data were collected until 100 participants had completed the surveys. A 3 to 6 months post course Survey Monkey questionnaire about applying the information from the course in the clinical area was carried out and is ongoing. Data analysis demonstrated a pre-course knowledge base deficit with a post course significant increase in knowledge and desire for action (Lawrence, 2010). When trafficked victims come into emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and doctors’ offices, a nurse is there. This talk includes a discussion about collaborating with nurses and nursing organizations to identify and assist trafficked victims.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the knowledge base of nurses before and after a human trafficking continuing education course
· Discuss how confident nurses are after taking a human trafficking continuing education course
· Describe how nurses assess for trafficked victims in their clinical practice area after taking a continuing education course