American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume 44, Issue 3, 2013, Pages 283-289

Human trafficking: Review of educational resources for health professionals (Review)

Ahn R.* , Alpert E.J. , Purcell G. , Konstantopoulos W.M. , McGahan A. , Cafferty E. , Eckardt M. , Conn K.L. , Cappetta K. , Burke T.F.
  • a Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
  • b Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, College of Health Disciplines, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • c Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  • d Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
  • e Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Rotman School of Management, Munk School for Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • f Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  • g Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  • h Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  • i Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  • j Division of Global Health and Human Rights, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Context: Human trafficking is an increasingly well-recognized human rights violation that is estimated to involve more than 2 million victims worldwide each year. The health consequences of this issue bring victims into contact with health systems and healthcare providers, thus providing the potential for identification and intervention. A robust healthcare response, however, requires a healthcare workforce that is aware of the health impact of this issue; educated about how to identify and treat affected individuals in a compassionate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed manner; and trained about how to collaborate efficiently with law enforcement, case management, and advocacy partners. This article describes existing educational offerings about human trafficking designed for a healthcare audience and makes recommendations for further curriculum development. Evidence acquisition: A keyword search and structured analysis of peer-reviewed and gray literature, conducted in 2011 and 2012, yielded 27 items that provide basic guidance to health professionals on human trafficking. Evidence synthesis: The 27 resources differed substantially in format, length, scope, and intended audience. Topic areas covered by these resources included trafficking definitions and scope, health consequences, victim identification, appropriate treatment, referral to services, legal issues, and security. None of the educational resources has been rigorously evaluated. Conclusions: There is a clear need to develop, implement, and evaluate high-quality education and training programs that focus on human trafficking for healthcare providers. © 2013 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Health Personnel education health care personnel immigration human statistics housing human rights abuse human rights United States income Humans Trust social security patient referral preventive health service Review Referral and Consultation victim human trafficking health care organization and management health education food security legal aspect online monitoring employment health care delivery Health Services Accessibility Crime Victims
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84874059125&doi=10.1016%2fj.amepre.2012.10.025&partnerID=40&md5=ada6c444c60f1726cb3f2cef0301f330
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.10.025
ISSN: 07493797
Cited by: 52
Original Language: English