SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Enhancing Human Trafficking Identification in Residency Training at Mayo Clinic

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This Mayo Clinic internal medicine residency project addressed a major gap in human trafficking education for healthcare professionals. Because many trafficking victims encounter healthcare providers during exploitation, the authors aimed to improve residents’ ability to identify and respond to trafficking through multiple educational interventions.<br /><br />The curriculum was integrated into residency training using several formats: chief pearls, noon conference presentations, primary care clinic documents, and short teaching points during morning report. Residents completed pre- and post-surveys to assess baseline knowledge, comfort, and awareness of resources.<br /><br />A total of 156 residents participated. Fifty-three completed the pre-test, and 16 completed both pre- and post-tests. Only 32% of pre-test respondents reported any prior training in human trafficking, highlighting limited baseline education. After the curriculum, residents showed significant improvement in understanding the trauma-informed gynecological exam and in identifying resources available to help victims. Comfort interviewing a patient suspected of sex trafficking also improved significantly.<br /><br />The project suggests that a multifaceted, easily integrated educational approach can strengthen resident preparedness to recognize and support trafficking victims. The authors conclude that human trafficking education should be incorporated into residency programs and should include reporting protocols, trauma-informed care, and knowledge of healthcare-related implications for victims.

Asset Subtitle

Mitra Moazzami

Meta Tag

Author List Andrew Halvorsen, Devika Das, Emily Leasure, Mitra Moazzami, Nisha Patel

Category Innovations

Concept Human Trafficking

Concept Trauma-Informed Care

Concept Resident Education

Concept Suspected Trafficking Victims

Concept Healthcare Professionals

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mayo Clinic

Presenting Author Mitra Moazzami

Track Education

Keywords

human trafficking

medical education

residency training

trauma-informed care

healthcare providers

victim identification

resident curriculum

sex trafficking

Mayo Clinic

reporting protocols

Human Trafficking

Trauma-Informed Care

Resident Education

Suspected Trafficking Victims

Healthcare Professionals