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The Effectiveness of a Human Trafficking Protocol in the Emergency Department: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Danielle Jordan Bastien1, Rosalind M Peters
1Author Affiliations: Advanced Practice Provider Education, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Bastien); and College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Peters).
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.
