Course Description:

Human trafficking is a global public health and human rights issue involving the exploitation of millions of people. Despite a high frequency of contact with trafficked individuals, there is a documented lack of education available to healthcare providers on the signs of human trafficking as well as a lack of protocols on how to care for trafficked individuals. This basic, introductory level course for healthcare professionals is an introduction to the complex crime of human trafficking, with a focus on sex and labor trafficking and the common symptoms and conditions that occur in trafficked persons. The course provides insights into the facts surrounding human trafficking and relevant health risks for the trafficked person. The course prepares healthcare professionals to become advocates for trafficked persons. Care of these individuals is as unique as the trafficked persons themselves, but research on the needs and common patterns of symptoms makes it possible to outline recommendations for the prevention of human trafficking and identification and care of this vulnerable population. Healthcare professionals who complete this course will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trafficked persons and identify the interventions needed to care for these individuals. Additionally, this course lists national resources that provide vital services to trafficked persons and makes recommendations for patient and staff safety when addressing these potentially volatile scenarios.