HUMAN TRAFFICKING 1

Nurses' Ability to Identify Victims of Human Trafficking

Abstract
Problem: Human trafficking is a significant human rights violation and public health problem
throughout the world. According to Gibbons and Stoklosa (2016), it is estimated that there may
be between 150,000 to 50,000 victims trafficked into the U.S. every year from abroad, and the
number of actual reported human trafficking cases has increased from 1,000 per year to more
than 5,000 per year. Failure to rescue human trafficking victims within the acute care setting is a
serious problem when victims seek care while in captivity. Nurses can contribute to failure to
rescue when signs and symptoms are overlooked due to nurses’ lack of experience, knowledge,
and ability to assess human trafficking victims.

Purpose: To improve reported self-efficacy and knowledge of nurses in identifying victims of

human trafficking following an educational presentation.

EBP Questions: The study will address the following research questions (RQs)
RQ 1: Is there a difference in the assessment skills of nurses trained on the identification of
human trafficking victims after attending an educational training program?
RQ 2: Is there a difference in reported self-efficacy by nurses trained on the identification of
human trafficking victims after attending an educational training program?
RQ 3: Is there a relationship between pre-education program knowledge on the identification of
human trafficking victims and years of nursing experience?
RQ 4: What pre-existing assumptions do nurses report regarding human trafficking victims?

Method: A pre-experimental pre-test/post-test design using a convenience sample of Registered

Nurses (RNs) attending nursing orientation who work in acute care settings within the Bon
Secours Health System.

Outcomes: Nurses who participate in the educational intervention will demonstrate improved
knowledge when identifying human trafficking victims in acute care settings.

Significance: This study will describe pre-existing assumptions about human trafficking victims
and demonstrate the effectiveness of focused human trafficking education on improving nurses’
knowledge and self-efficacy in identifying victims in the acute care setting.

References
Gibbons, P., & Stoklosa, H. (2016). Identification and treatment of human trafficking victims in
the emergency department: A case report. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 50(5),
715-719. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.01.004
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