Human trafficking (HT) includes sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, servitude, or the removal of organs
Human trafficking (HT) includes sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, servitude, or the removal of organs, and can affect “any individual regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or level of education” (Mason et al., 2021, p. 600). Healthcare workers have the responsibility of knowing how to identify and support victims of trafficking. While reading through our text, I found it interesting that many professional nursing organizations do not have a formal policy or statement regarding human trafficking. The American Nurses Association (ANA) discusses social injustices and procedures to protect human rights but does not directly address HT. The first responsibility of the nursing profession is to address nursing education on HT signs and symptoms in all nursing programs. This education serves as a foundation for knowing how to help HT victims. Next is addressing policy and protocol in healthcare institutions. Unfortunately, I have found myself in an instance where I suspected domestic violence and case management told me, “That is a social issue; we can’t help if they don’t want it.” I went to my administrators about it because I believed there needed to be a better solution. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (2010) developed a “Framework for a human trafficking protocol in healthcare settings.” This framework starts when a person accesses medical services. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) lists “red flags” to consider when providing medical services. If any “red flags” are noted, then speaking with the patient alone and bringing in a social worker is imperative. Afterwards, you must determine if the patient is in perceived danger. NHTRC has a national hotline that can be called for assistance with how to proceed.
Mason, D. J., Perez, A., McLemore, M. R., & Dickson, E. (2021). Policy and politics in nursing and healthcare (8th ed.). Elsevier.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center. (2010). Framework for a human trafficking protocol in healthcare settings. Human Trafficking Hotline. https://humantraffickinghotline.org/sites/default/files/Framework%20for%20a%20Human%20Trafficking%20Protocol%20in%20Healthcare%20Settings.pdf
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