Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Massachusetts Medical Society this week released a comprehensive guidebook for healthcare providers on human trafficking. Human Trafficking, A Guidebook on Identification, Assessment, and Response in the Health Care Setting, is available free online and features an overview of trafficking, describes its clinical manifestations and offers guidance for healthcare professionals on identification, assessment, care and follow-up.
"Human trafficking can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, class or age," said Wendy L. Macias-Konstantopoulos, M.D., medical director of the MGH Human Trafficking Initiative. "Because of the devastating physical and mental health outcomes associated with human trafficking, it is imperative that physicians and other providers learn about this insidious, widespread public health problem. Healthcare providers can play a key role in breaking the cycle of abuse and improving the health and well-being of those afflicted by this violent crime. Our guidebook is intended to educate healthcare providers and provide resources for patient referral and ongoing professional education." Guidebook