Using Theory and Technology to Build an Interprofessional Community of Human Trafficking Educators.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Human trafficking is a global health crisis requiring interprofessional healthcare responses.
• Educating healthcare providers on identifying and assisting trafficking victims is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an interprofessional education program for healthcare providers on human trafficking.
• To foster a collaborative learning environment using social cognitive and experiential learning theories.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a constructivist program design with technology (WhatsApp, Flipgrid) for community building.
• Incorporated live case studies, didactics, breakout sessions, and Q&A with survivors.
• Employed reciprocal teaching and peer feedback to enhance self-efficacy and knowledge integration.

Main Results:

• 156 professionals from diverse backgrounds and countries graduated from the program.
• Post-program surveys showed sustained improvements in using the Stop, Observe, Ask, Refer (SOAR) framework.
• Participants demonstrated enhanced skills in adult learning principles and developing organizational protocols for trafficking.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully cultivated a nonhierarchical community of interprofessional learners.
• Strategic use of learning theories and technology created a lasting international network of educators.
• Graduates continue to impact the care of individuals experiencing human trafficking.