| dc.description.abstract | Human trafficking has increasing prevalence in the United States (U.S.) with an estimated 1.6 million people trafficked at any time. Healthcare systems are one of the most critical access points for identifying and recognizing victims of human trafficking. Unfortunately, a majority of healthcare providers have never received training on human trafficking. There are approximately 835 nurse practitioners (NPs) within North Dakota (ND). With increasing prevalence of human trafficking in the U.S., education for healthcare providers must be provided to aid in the fight against human trafficking.
The purpose of this practice improvement project (PIP) was to increase NP perceived knowledge and confidence regarding human trafficking prevalence, identification, and resource utilization within ND by providing online education and resources for use within the clinical setting. This PIP consisted of two, one and a half hour educational sessions that were electronically deployed to NPs throughout ND through email, the North Dakota Nurse Practitioner annual pharmacology conference, and word of mouth. Pre- and post-surveys helped evaluate if the educational sessions improved NP perceived knowledge and confidence levels regarding human trafficking. The surveys also helped determine if NPs would utilize an online toolkit in practice.
Ten NPs completed the pre- and post-surveys. The co-investigator found that nine respondents (N=10) had increased levels of perceived knowledge regarding identifying potential human trafficking victims and eight respondents showed an increase in perceived level of confidence in managing a potential or identified victim of human trafficking. Nine participants indicated that the toolkit was comprehensive and fit the needs of their practice and a majority of respondents indicated that they would use the toolkit in the clinical setting.
Although results supported the purpose of the PIP, the co-investigator would advocate for further research to determine best modalities to increase provider human trafficking education participation in ND. Developing connections with healthcare facilities and the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF) will also allow for continued dissemination of this education for healthcare providers. Although limitations from this PIP exist, the comprehensive education and delivery method met the needs of the NPs who participated. | en_US |
