Date Available
7-23-2018
Year of Publication
2018
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Committee Chair
Dr. Martha Biddle
Committee Member
Dr. Evelyn Parrish
Committee Member
Dr. Peggy El-Mallakh
Abstract
PURPOSE: Human trafficking is an ongoing public health issue on a global and local platform. The care of victims is unique and multifaceted, with various physical and mental health care needs recognized. Human trafficking victims are often difficult to identify, as there have been reports that up to 88% of human trafficking survivors described encounters with healthcare professionals while they were being trafficked yet none were identified as victims (Office of Trafficking in Persons, 2017). This information places the healthcare provider at the forefront for advocating human trafficking victim identification and post identification care. The purpose of this project was to create an awareness of human trafficking in nursing faculty and senior nursing students by providing an educational program that discusses the health concerns and vulnerability of this population.
METHODS: The design for this study was quasi-experimental. A pretest and posttest design was used to evaluate awareness, knowledge and confidence of nursing faculty and senior nursing students after completion of a human trafficking awareness educational program.
RESULTS: A total of 55 participants were included in the pre-survey portion and 55 participants attended the educational program. Of that sample only 1/55 (1.8%) had ever received any training in regards to human trafficking. Opinions in identifying and responding post program were positive and demonstrated change after completion of the educational program. Confidence in referral options pre and post survey demonstrated statistical significance. Pre survey results include 4/55(7.3%) selecting “agree” in confidence in referral options and post survey report 12/19(63%) selecting “agree” in confidence in referral options (p= < .001).
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the opportunity to provide a program that increases awareness of human trafficking to nursing faculty and senior nursing students is prudent as identifying population healthcare needs are ever changing. Identifying gaps, and opportunities to further develop successful educational modules for this population has been a challenge but gaining more information on delivery methods has been insightful. Human trafficking victims represent a vulnerable population that come into contact with healthcare providers often for healthcare needs.
Recommended Citation
Reid, Kristin, "Human Trafficking Awareness Pilot Project in Nursing Faculty and Senior Nursing Students in Western Kentucky" (2018). DNP Projects. 210.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/210
