Evaluation of a Human Trafficking Screening Process in an Urban Emergency Department

Human trafficking (HT) affects 25 million people globally, with Illinois ranking eleventh in U.S. cases, highlighting the need for effective health care identification systems. To evaluate an HT screening program implemented in a Chicago emergency department (ED).

The program established an HT victim screening tool into the electronic medical record, trained staff on HT red flags, and used a silent identification system to enhance victim detection at multiple patient interaction points.

Two HT victims were identified shortly after implementation. However, sustainability measures proved inadequate, with screening numbers at only 15 screens 2 years after implementation. Challenges included high staff turnover, insufficient training, hidden screening locations, and poor maintenance of the silent notification system.

Ongoing education, better screening placement, and leveraging Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners' expertise are critical for improvement. A new initiative is underway to address barriers and enhance the HT protocol in the Chicago ED.