Evaluation of a Human Trafficking Educational Intervention for Nursing Professionals

Author: Rajaram, Shireen; Sayles, Harlan; Morris, Emily; Medcalf, Sharon; Sethi, Sahil & Keeler, Heidi

Abstract: Human trafficking (HT) is a serious public health issue. Survivors of HT seek medical care. Health care professionals may be inadequately trained to identify and support survivors. This study evaluated improvements in nurses' knowledge after a professional development workshop on HT. Pre- and postevaluation surveys assessed nurses' self-reported changes in perceived knowledge of HT and its vulnerability factors, the health impact of HT, strategies for identification and assessment of HT, and response to and follow-up of HT. After the workshop, participants showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge of all measures, regardless of hours of previous training and years of practice. Perceived knowledge of HT identification and response can be improved through training of nurses, regardless of hours of previous training and years of practice

Keywords: human trafficking, education, nursing professionals, evaluation, knowledge