Abstract

Human trafficking is a growing public health crisis that affects millions of individuals worldwide and often remains undetected within healthcare settings. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to identify trafficked persons; however, limited training, inconsistent screening practices, and lack of confidence hinder effective identification and intervention. The purpose of this descriptive quantitative study was to examine healthcare provider confidence in identifying and reporting trafficked persons and to explore current screening practices and barriers to identification. Data were collected using a 17-question anonymous survey distributed electronically to healthcare providers engaged in direct patient care, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors of osteopathic medicine. A total of 62 participants completed the survey. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to evaluate participant demographics, confidence levels, screening practices, perceived barriers, and training experiences. Results indicated low levels of provider confidence, inconsistent screening practices, and multiple barriers contributing to the under-identification of trafficked persons. These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that healthcare providers often feel unprepared to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations. Many participants reported limited confidence in both identifying and reporting cases of human trafficking. Most participants reported that they do not routinely screen for human trafficking (n=43, 69.4%). Additionally, the most reported barriers included patients being unwilling to disclose information and lack of time during clinical encounters.

Furthermore, 37.1% of participants reported receiving no prior training on human trafficking. Participants who reported previous training generally demonstrated greater confidence in identifying potential trafficked persons. The findings suggested that healthcare providers would benefit from increased education, standardized screening practices, and improved access to resources and reporting guidelines. Enhancing provider knowledge and confidence can improve the identification of trafficked persons and facilitate earlier intervention. Future efforts should focus on implementing evidence-based training programs and developing consistent screening tools and protocols across healthcare settings to improve outcomes for trafficked persons.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Degree Date

2026

First Advisor

Dr. Alena Groves

Document Type

Thesis

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