Stakeholder recognition and response to human trafficking victims in Emergency Departments: a descriptive qualitative...

Human trafficking is currently an international crime and one of the most urgent human rights issues. Understanding stakeholders' experiences is critical to developing a care pathway that improves recognition and response. Globally limited qualitative research exists on stakeholders' experiences of human trafficking in the Emergency Department. This study aims to explore and describe the experiences of stakeholders in recognizing and responding to victims of human trafficking.

Descriptive qualitative study reported using COREQ. Three online focus groups (29-40 min) were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke.

The research team identified six codes: care pathways and policies for guidance, interprofessional collaboration, healthcare professionals' responses, screening and triage, training and education, and a trauma-informed approach. These codes were then synthesized into three main themes: the need for clear guidance, including policies and procedural frameworks; education, covering screening, triage, recognition of red flags, and awareness; and interprofessional and multisectoral collaboration with coordinated referrals.

Contextually appropriate, standardized care pathways for identifying and managing human trafficking victims are recommended for South African and broader African healthcare settings. These should be co-designed with healthcare professionals and survivors and aligned with existing systems to promote integrated care. Ongoing training and strengthened multisectoral collaboration are essential to ensure trauma-informed, coordinated, and effective responses.