Bridging the Gap: Human Trafficking Education Improves Nursing Students' Knowledge and Confidence

Human trafficking (HT) is a global, national, and local public health concern, yet victims often go unidentified due to limited provider education and a lack of screening protocols. This quality improvement project implemented an asynchronous online HT education module for senior nursing students to enhance knowledge and confidence in identifying victims through recognition of red flags and use of screening questions.

The module addressed HT indicators, screening tools, screening questions, and available resources. Pre- and posttests using the PROTECT instrument assessed perceived knowledge, actual knowledge, and confidence.

Postintervention scores showed statistically significant improvement (p < .001) in knowledge and confidence. Only 10.67% of participants had prior HT training, and 52% preferred online, asynchronous learning.

HT education significantly improved nursing students' knowledge and confidence, supporting the integration of HT training into undergraduate nursing curricula.