The Impact of Human Trafficking Training on Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a CME-accredited human trafficking didactic and discussion-based training for healthcare professionals by comparing participant knowledge and attitudes on human trafficking before and after attending the training. Methods: A novel 18-item survey was developed to test the knowledge of and attitudes towards human trafficking. Participants of 17 standardized trainings delivered by 4 physician-trainers over a two-year period were invited to take a pre-test and 2 post-tests at 1-week and 6-months post training. Surveys were anonymously collected and linked to each participant with a de-identified number. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with scores given to the overall and knowledge and attitude subscales. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Comparisons were made using paired t-tests or ANOVA, as appropriate. Results: Total of 424 participants submitted the pre-test and were predominantly female (81%) and students in healthcare fields (55%). Of these participants, 237 (56%) submitted the 1-week post-test. Scores increased from pre-test to 1-week post-test in both knowledge (54.7 ± 18.7%-84.5 ± 12.8%, P = .001) and attitude (49.4 ± 14.7%-71.0 ± 12.8%, P < .001) subscales. Forty-seven participants (11%) submitted the 6-month post-test, which demonstrated a decrease in knowledge score from the 1-week post-test (84.5 ± 12.8%-50.0 ± 13.6%, P < .001). However, improvements in attitude scores were sustained across time (71.0 ± 12.8%-68.8 ± 12.4%, P < .001). Conclusions: Among health professionals, the CME-accredited LIFT training leads to a short-term improvement in knowledge of human trafficking and a sustained improvement in awareness and attitudes about human trafficking.

Development of a New Resident-Centric Sex Trafficking Education Program for Obstetrics/Gynecology, Emergency Medicine, and Family Medicine Programs

“…Our study findings were parallel to those of Lee et al, showing retention of knowledge months after the education session. 20 Furthermore, the focus group supported the positive impact on residents’ perceived knowledge. Our study also showed that residents’ confidence levels remained higher 5 months after the education session than before session.…”

Human Trafficking Education: A Pilot Study of Integration into Medical School Curriculum

“…This lecture was adapted from the American Medical Women's Association–Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans training slide set, “Learn to Identify and Fight Trafficking (LIFT),” which is available online by request (path_admin@amwa-doc.org). 19 , 20 We made minor modifications to the slide set with the addition of local resources, articles, and links to online videos. The lecturers included a team of 3 senior medical students and a women's health internist who had all attended a 4-hour local in-person LIFT training session and worked with HT victims and survivors in the community.…”