Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Experiences of human trafficking survivors when managed in an emergency department: A descriptive qualitative study
Leanne van Rooy1, Celia J Filmalter1, Tanya Heyns1
1Department of Nursing Science, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Aim:
To explore and describe human trafficking survivors' insights and lived experiences as victims in an ED to inform recognition and response to their needs.
Background:
Numerous survivors reportedly visited the emergency department while being trafficked. The voice of the survivors needs to be heard to understand the perspectives of care, specific needs, and prevent re-traumatization.
Design:
Descriptive qualitative design.
Methods:
12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with human trafficking survivors. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Four themes emerged from the data: distress, apprehension, intimidation, and oblivious healthcare professionals.
Discussion:
Survivors experienced significant distress and apprehension, largely driven by intimidation related to the ongoing presence and control of traffickers. These experiences were exacerbated by healthcare professionals' limited awareness, which hindered identification and disclosure.
Conclusion:
Implementing trauma-informed care and ongoing training is essential to foster trust, improve identification, and support victims in the emergency department.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Case Studies
02:09Bystander Effect
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...