A Multisource Derivation of Guidelines for Education and Screening for Human Trafficking in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Trafficking in persons is a major problem that intersects many facets of society, including the legal system, law enforcement, and healthcare. While some elements of American society have been active in improving awareness and action against trafficking in persons, healthcare has been slow to adopt standardized education and training about this population. There remains some ambiguity regarding how to identify these victims, but some understanding of screening can be correlated from literature surrounding intimate partner violence. An understanding of what is known of the epidemiology, combined with evidence of efficacy of screening techniques for other vulnerable populations, supports targeted screening. Emergency medicine as the front line of the healthcare system has a unique opportunity to access these vulnerable patients and connect them with services. With a review of easily accessible literature, training, and legal documents, we make a case for a comprehensive training program for emergency medicine residents. Our recommended training would include epidemiology of the populations involved, screening and interviewing, training and practice, understanding of ways to access local resources, and education around risk factors and indicators to help identify victims.