Poster Presentation

Unmasking Hidden Harms: Longitudinal Interprofessional Short Courses on Trafficking, Abuse, and Partner Violence

- CDT
Room: Grand Central Foyer
Kimberley Begley, PharmD, RPh, FNAP
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Chelsea Sandidge, BSW, BSHAP
Creighton University
Ann Ryan-Haddad, PharmD
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Track:
  • Innovative Approaches to Interprofessional Pedagogy and Education Science
Human trafficking, child maltreatment, and intimate partner violence are critical global issues, affecting millions annually. Approximately 49.6 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including 12 million children. In the U.S., human trafficking is a $150 billion industry.

Health profession students need targeted training to recognize and respond to these issues. Proper preparation is essential for providing trauma-informed care and comprehensive support to survivors, ensuring a competent and empathetic healthcare workforce.Goals, objectives, and purpose: To evaluate the impact of the Violence Across the Lifespan short courses on students' confidence, knowledge, communication skills, assessment abilities, and advocacy for survivors of violence.Methods/Methodology: An interprofessional group of faculty developed the Violence across the Lifespan short courses for health sciences students in nine disciplines. These courses include modules on identifying signs of maltreatment, recognizing those at risk, and offering trauma-informed care. The highly interactive modules feature lectures, survivor stories, and expert presentations. To maintain student involvement, the courses incorporate interactive experiences like My Slavery Footprint, calculating ACE scores, reflection questions, and discussion boards.Results/Findings: Over 1,300 health profession students have taken the short courses. Testing revealed significant improvements in identifying at-risk individuals, recognizing abuse indicators, and asking screening questions (p < 0.001). Pre- and post-course surveys showed increased confidence in applying knowledge, communicating effectively, and assessing situations (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of reflections, discussion posts, and evaluations highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration and increased awareness of trafficking and abuse.Conclusions, implications, and/or curiosities: This ongoing commitment ensures the courses remain relevant and impactful. By integrating targeted training on intervention and support, students will be better equipped to handle real-life scenarios, ensuring survivors receive the care they need. This enhancement fosters a more competent and empathetic healthcare workforce, capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of violence survivors.

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