Citation

Bastien DJ, Peters RM. J. Nurs. Care Qual. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000797

PMID

39028974

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human trafficking affects nearly 1.1 million persons in the United States. Over 50% of victims will receive care in an emergency department (ED) during their exploitation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a human trafficking protocol and electronic medical record screening and assessment tool in identifying victims of human trafficking in the ED.

METHODS: A 5-year, retrospective chart audit was conducted.

RESULTS: Over 2 million ED visits occurred during the 5-year study period. Less than 1% (n = 525) of those patients screened positive as potential victims, while 45 (8.6%) were confirmed trafficking victims. The number of victims identified dropped following the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic issues, staffing turnover, and lack of ongoing trafficking education impeded the identification of victims. Recommended changes to the protocol are presented.

Language: en