A Day in "The Life": Addressing Healthcare Response to Medical Care of Those in the Life of Human Trafficking
Lara Wilken, DNP, RN; Heather Wilde, BSN, RN, SANE-A & Annette Mango | September 23 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Healthcare | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Individuals involved in the life of human trafficking are susceptible to various forms of abuse, both physical, mental, and emotional that may require medical treatment. Lack of provider knowledge of trafficking and trauma-informed care could lead to poorly coordinated, fragmented service, negatively affecting the patient (Recknor, et al., 2020). This presentation begins by motivating providers to begin patient care at the point of entry by asking the question, “Who is in your waiting room?” From the waiting room, the presenters take participants on a journey through barriers to identification, red-flag indicators, assessment, and intervention based on lived experience. Knowing not all individuals may be ready for intervention and/or assistance, trauma-informed care is a major theme throughout the presentation. Understanding the intent of care is to provide intervention; this presentation helps providers understand how to “respect the no” using a trauma-informed approach. The importance of using this approach is heard not only through the voices of the nurses presenting, but also the survivor who openly reflects on, and shares, a number of past experiences of being treated in the healthcare setting. In addition to recognition and intervention, discussion will also include the need for continuing education, hospital policy development, when to involve law enforcement, as well as the need for community engagement and survivor input. By completion of this presentation, providers will be inspired not only to consider who is entering their waiting room, but also who is exiting their care and what difference they can make.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss red flags and barriers to identification of sex trafficking in a clinical setting
· Explain the importance of using a trauma informed approach when caring for human trafficking patients
· Describe resources available to support and care for human trafficking patients