Compassionate Care—Going the Extra Mile: Sex Trafficking Survivors’ Recommendations for Healthcare Best Practices

Abstract

Human Trafficking (HT) persists in the US, despite multi-level measures designed to mitigate its societal costs. HT instruction for healthcare providers is growing, but there is a dearth of resources and training presenting obstacles for victims accessing suitable healthcare services. Voices of survivors are also scant in the literature, despite the fact that their recommendations would appear essential when designing best practices. This study aimed to methodically gather recommendations from sex trafficking (ST) survivors who sought medical care during their victimization. An exploratory concurrent mixed-methods design was used, and semi-structured interviews (N = 22) were conducted between March 2016 and March 2017, in San Diego, CA, and Philadelphia, PA. Data were analyzed through a coding system to identify meaningful analytical themes. Study participants were recruited through survivor-centered organizations, and their identification was kept anonymous and confidential. Findings included three main themes: (A) Red Flags; (B) supportive healthcare practices; and (C) resources for ST-patient study participants’ recommendations aimed to improve healthcare practice in response to their medical needs in a compassionate and caring manner, with trust building, rapport, and an opportunity to instill hope among ST-patients. Implementing Compassionate Care approaches when caring for ST-patients could positively impact patient–provider interactions, while creating opportunities for intervention.

Creating a Collaborative Trauma-Informed Interdisciplinary Citywide Victim Services Model Focused on Health Care for Survivors of Human Trafficking

“…31 Health care providers who create a safe, comfortable environment for trafficking victims and practice compassionate, trauma-informed, victim-centered care can improve engagement in and access to services. 2,11,12,15,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Women and adolescents interviewed immediately after leaving a trafficking situation in Europe reported a substantial reduction in subjective physical and mental health symptoms after 2 months of continued health care. 34 Two victim services models (1 in Miami, Florida, and 1 in Houston, Texas) are funded in part by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), which is 1 of 6 offices of the US Department of Justice established to enhance victim services.…”

“…Research indicates that 4 fundamental services for survivors of human trafficking need to be provided: (1) housing; (2) a safe, confidential health care environment with trauma-informed care; (3) a comprehensive needs assessment; and (4) case management to coordinate legal, medical, and social services. 2,9-30 Often, medical care lacks the long-term, consistent, trauma-informed approaches necessary for these medically complex patients. The goal of providing trauma-informed care is to realize, recognize, respond to, and resist retraumatization.…”

“…31 Health care providers who create a safe, comfortable environment for trafficking victims and practice compassionate, trauma-informed, victim-centered care can improve engagement in and access to services. 2,11,12,15,17-33 Women and adolescents interviewed immediately after leaving a trafficking situation in Europe reported a substantial reduction in subjective physical and mental health symptoms after 2 months of continued health care. 34…”

“…These collaborative models provide easy access and high-quality, interdisciplinary, trauma-informed medical care and victim services to restore and rehabilitate survivors of human trafficking. 25-33 Previous publications on the 2 models focused on client demographic characteristics, health consequences, and community collaborations, 27,35,36 but in-depth descriptions and implementation considerations have not been discussed.…”

Exploitation, Labor and Sex Trafficking of Children and Adolescents: Health Care Needs of Patients

“…4,5 Building a sense of trust and safety is a critical first step in enabling a patient to discuss their needs and concerns. 134 To further establish trust and foster a supportive clinical relationship, the health care provider needs to promptly address the chief complaint and other immediate concerns that are voiced so that children and adolescents feel their needs are being taken seriously. 135 Table 4 outlines practical strategies for a traumainformed approach to patient interaction.…”