Early Detection of the Vulnerable Patient: Human Trafficking

Awareness is the first step to combating any problem. You must detect before you can protect a vulnerable patient. Combating human trafficking is complex and often seen as insurmountable given 1) lack of awareness 2) understanding of what constitutes trafficking and 3) inconsistent response by law enforcement and evaluation by healthcare workers. The result is that victims are often hidden in plain sight. The impact on the individual is detrimental, and the practice of this unimaginable business can be damaging to society as a whole.

In the case of human sex trafficking, a crucial point of detection and escalation is within the Emergency Department, because 87% of victims seek medical treatment of some kind, and because it is a controlled environment, with a workforce accustomed to working under protocols and workflow informed by the latest research and best practices. But, the challenges remain on the shoulders of an overly stressed clinical workforce whose attention may be diminished. The result is that 97% of victims who seek medical attention go unnoticed and are not given resources. Learn how our first line FHIR-based informatics solution can address this sensitive problem, and how you can help.

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