Exploring human trafficking screening policies and procedures in health care facilities: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Human trafficking is a global health and human rights concern, involving the exploitation of people for forced labor, sex, or other forms of servitude. Although estimates vary, it's been reported that up to 88% of trafficked individuals have contact with health care providers during their captivity; yet many cases go unrecognized. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore existing human trafficking screening policies and procedures in health care facilities in two South Florida counties and to assess their comprehensiveness. 

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. A convenience sample of representatives of eligible outpatient health care facilities in the two counties were surveyed. Demographic and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. To assess the comprehensiveness of each facility's human trafficking screening policies and procedures, a composite measure was created. 

RESULTS: Despite the high prevalence of human trafficking in the study site area, only about half of the 99 surveyed facilities (51.5%) had human trafficking screening policies and procedures in place. Fewer than half (45.5%) provided clinicians and staff with training in human trafficking screening practices. Approximately one-third of the surveyed facilities (36.4%) received high scores for screening comprehensiveness, while more than half (56.6%) received low scores. 

CONCLUSIONS: As the professionals most likely to interact with trafficked individuals during their captivity, health care providers have a pivotal role to play in their identification, treatment, and referral. A major finding is that providers and other staff need more education and training in these areas. Moreover, many health care facilities do not have established human trafficking screening policies and procedures, and those that do may not monitor to ensure adherence.