Fellow University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Background: Human trafficking (HT) is the fastest growing and second largest organized crime worldwide, with the United States seeing over 60,000 annual incidents, 13,000 of which involve child sex trafficking. Victims of HT often endure health complications like reproductive issues, physical injuries and psychological disorders. Despite the staggering numbers, these traumas frequently go unnoticed or receive incomplete treatment within the healthcare system. Recent research indicates that approximately 80% of trafficked adolescents are treated in pediatric hospitals within a year of recognition, highlighting the urgent need for improved awareness and intervention. Literature extensively documents knowledge gaps concerning HT in healthcare providers. Even a brief educational experience can significantly enhance clinicians' abilities to promptly recognize and appropriately care for patients suspected of being trafficked, making a profound impact on their lives. Objective: We sought to assess the educational needs of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows regarding HT, including previous education, perceived areas of deficiency by both fellows and program directors (PD) and desired educational materials. Design/Methods: This study was approved by the University of Louisville IRB. We surveyed PEM fellows and PDs in the United States and sent out to all PEM fellowship programs via the PEM PD Listserv. The fellow survey consists of nine questions regarding their preparedness, prior education, and desired educational content, and three non-identifying demographic questions. The PD survey consists of eight questions regarding current curriculum, fellow preparedness, and desired educational content, and two non-identifying demographic questions. Surveys will be completed by January 2024 and responses will be evaluated using appropriate descriptive statistical analysis. The data will be instrumental in pinpointing gaps in education and knowledge. This information will be used to prioritize the creation and implementation of necessary educational materials within PEM fellowship programs.
