WIP 50 - Human Trafficking Education Among Pediatric Residents: A Needs Assessment

Publication Number: WIP 50.7420

Naomi Warnick, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; Sarah A. Mahonski, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Rebecca hart, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Floyds Knobs, IN, United States; Danielle Graff, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States

Background: Human trafficking (HT) is the fastest growing and second largest organized crime worldwide, with >60,000 annual incidents in the United States (US), including 13,000 cases of child sex trafficking, and over 293,000 youth in the US at risk. While victims of HT often suffer from physical and mental health complications and seek medical care, these traumas frequently go unnoticed or receive incomplete treatment by the healthcare system. More than 80% of trafficked youth seek medical care within a year of identification, emphasizing the need improved awareness and intervention efforts. Improving pediatric providers’ abilities to recognize and appropriately care for suspected HT victims is critical, but little is known about the educational needs of pediatricians on this topic.

Objective: This study aims to assess the educational needs of pediatric residents regarding HT, including previous education, perceived areas of deficiency by residents and program directors, and desired educational materials.

Design/Methods: We surveyed pediatric residents and pediatric residency program directors (PDs). The resident survey included 5 questions on perceived preparedness to care for HT victims, prior education and desired educational content, and 3 non-identifying demographic questions. The PD survey included 5 questions on current curriculum, perceived resident preparedness to care for HT victims, and desired educational content. Program demographics are provided through the APPD. The survey was approved and distributed by the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD) Longitudinal Education and Assessment Research Network (LEARN) using Lime® survey software. Survey responses will be evaluated using standard descriptive statistics. The collected data will be instrumental in pinpointing gaps in education and knowledge and will be used to prioritize the creation and implementation of necessary educational materials for pediatric residency programs.