Few medical schools incorporate human trafficking (HT) training using trauma-informed care (TIC) principles into their curricula. Addressing a Gap in Medical School Training: Identifying and Caring for Human Trafficking Survivors Using Trauma-Informed Care, 14 Mar 2023, is an open access publication that attempts to educate medical students specifically on how to identify HT survivors in a clinical setting and provide patient-centered TIC.
Abstract
Introduction: Human trafficking (HT) is a substantial public health problem, and health care workers are uniquely positioned to help identify and care for survivors. Despite this fact, few medical schools incorporate HT training using trauma-informed care (TIC) principles into their curricula. We developed a training session to educate medical students on recognizing HT red flags and providing TIC to HT survivors.
Methods: One hundred twenty-seven fourth-year medical students at Rush Medical College attended a 2-hour session consisting of didactic lectures by expert speakers and participated in a group discussion guided by a clinical vignette. Students completed anonymous pre- and postsession surveys that assessed comfort levels in detecting HT red flags and providing TIC. We used a paired t test to compare pre- and postsession survey responses.
Results: Ninety-five pre- and postsession surveys were matched with unique identifiers and used for analysis. The results demonstrated significant improvement in all the metrics assessed. Discussion: This training significantly improved medical students’ comfort in identifying and caring for HT survivors, addressing an especially important gap in medical school education. This training can be implemented at other institutions to further improve awareness and efforts in identifying and caring for HT survivors while avoiding retraumatization.
Educational Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
– Discuss the prevalence of human trafficking (HT) and the associated vulnerability factors.
– Identify the major red flags of HT in a clinical setting.
– Establish comfort in asking appropriate screening questions to identify HT.
– Respond with increased confidence to HT disclosures using trauma-informed practices (including use of appropriate language).
– Describe medical care options, safety planning, and state-mandated reporting guidelines in the context of HT.
Appendices
A. Didactic Lecture.pptx
B. Facilitation Guide.docx
C. Student Worksheet Without Answers.docx
D. Student Worksheet With Suggested Answers.docx
E. Tool Kit.docx
F. Pre- and Postsession Survey Questions.docx
G. Extra Scenarios.docx
Citation
Brennan ERF, Markopoulos A, Rodriguez J, Sheth NK, Shah N. Addressing a Gap in Medical School Training: Identifying and Caring for Human Trafficking Survivors Using Trauma-Informed Care. MedEdPORTAL. 2023; 19:11304. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11304
The publication also cites two other open access MedEdPORTAL publications addressing HT or TIC:
– Garg A, Panda P, Malay S, Rose JA. A human trafficking educational program and point-of-care reference tool for pediatric residents. MedEdPORTAL. 2021; 17:11179. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11179 MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR
– Weber LC, Ortega JC, Bastea S, Robitz RA, Mumma BE. Women Leading Healthy Change: a reciprocal learning experience for women in the sex trade and medical students. MedEdPORTAL. 2021; 17:11154. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11154 MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR
