Co-Designing a Care Pathway for Healthcare Professionals to Recognise and Respond to Human Trafficking Victims in Emergency Departments

Author: van Rooy, Leanne & Filmalter, Celia

Abstract: Victims of human trafficking frequently present to emergency departments (EDs) while being exploited; however, many remain unrecognised by healthcare professionals. Creating spaces where survivors and healthcare professionals can engage provided a unique opportunity to generate a care pathway which increases the likelihood of implementation as the needs and expectations of the victim and healthcare professionals are considered. The objective of this research study was to describe the process and outcome of experience-based co-design of a care pathway that enables healthcare professionals to recognise and respond to human trafficking victims in EDs. Twenty-seven individuals participated in two co-design events. The in-person event included six registered nurses, one social worker, three trauma counsellors, one psychologist and four survivors. Twelve participants took part in a virtual event, comprising six medical doctors, two pre-hospital medical personnel, one counsellor, one psychologist and two survivors. Data from the co-design events were analysed using a creative hermeneutic approach. Co-designers generated the care pathway using data from a mapping review, interviews with victims of human trafficking and focus groups with healthcare professionals. The in-person group identified five themes, including education, safety, alertness, compassion, nurturing and action. The online event highlighted information sharing, special victim champion, safety and security, primary response and awareness. The themes were combined into three main themes, namely education and awareness, safety and security and human disposition, underpinned by compassion, non-judgement, trustworthiness and trauma-informed care. The co-designed care pathway prioritises education and awareness to help healthcare professionals recognise and respond to potential trafficking victims in EDs. The care process can be initiated using ‘Code Orange’, supporting coordinated, interprofessional and comprehensive interventions. Using a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, the care pathway emphasises safety, security and compassion for both victims and healthcare professionals.

Keywords: care pathway, emergency department, experience‐based co‐design, healthcare professionals, human trafficking survivors