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Study finds NHS staff lack necessary training to identify, treat human trafficking victims

In the U.K., health care providers in maternity services are most likely to encounter victims of human trafficking, along with providers in emergency medicine, mental health and pediatrics, according to recently published data.

While providers in these areas have an increased likelihood of encountering these victims, a significant proportion of providers did not feel adequately prepared to do so, according to the results.

“This study provides … evidence that a substantial proportion of [National Health Service] professionals come into contact with patients they know or suspect had been trafficked,” the researchers wrote.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the frequency of encounters between National Health Service (NHS) professionals and trafficked individuals to determine how knowledgeable and confident NHS professionals were toward trafficking victims.

Among NHS participants (n = 782) in emergency medicine, mental health, pediatrics and other clinical disciplines, 13% had encountered patients they knew or believed had been a victim of human trafficking. The percentage of providers who had encountered victims increased to 20.4% in maternity services.

Of professionals who reported encounters with victims of trafficking, 86.8% (n = 679) believed they did not know what questions to ask to identify the patients as victims. Additionally, 78.3% (n = 613) felt as though they did not have enough training to assist patients who had been trafficked.

NHS professionals reported lack of confidence when it came to making appropriate referrals for men (71%; n = 556), women (67.5%; n = 528) and children (53.4%; n = 418) who had been trafficked, according to the study. For example, a large proportion of NHS professionals, 76.5% (n = 598), were unaware that victims could be in more danger if the police were called.

The researchers noted the importance of developing and using training tools for professionals to better ensure they are prepared to handle situations involving victims of human trafficking.

“Targeted training for professionals working in key clinical disciplines — maternity services, mental health, pediatrics and emergency medicine — may improve preparedness to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking and improve the well-being and safety of this vulnerable group,” Ross and colleagues concluded. – by Casey Hower

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.