Physician Perspective: Providing Medical Safe Haven Patient Visits to Survivors of Human Trafficking

Physician Perspective: Providing Medical Safe Haven Patient Visits to Survivors of Human Trafficking

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019
 

While health care systems have focused efforts on the identification and immediate response of victims, there remains a lack of models for long-term, integrated care of these same individuals – a component arguably just as important for sustained recovery and movement from victimization to survivorship. The Medical Safe Haven clinic provides a coordinated warm-hand access model of care for victims and survivors of human trafficking to receive full spectrum trauma-informed primary medical care and mental health services. This is accomplished through strong community partnerships, an embedded patient advocate, and a trained team of physicians and staff that understand the unique needs of those who have experienced, or are currently experiencing a trafficking situation. The Medical Safe Haven has seen a marked reduction in patient re-traumatization and preliminary data indicates objective improvement in survivor reintegration into society in a replicable and sustainable model of care.  The experience of providing more than 1300 patient visits has led to identification of common morbidities and the development of best practices to address both the physical and mental health needs of this patient population.  Common issues ranging from prenatal care to PTSD management to pediatric care and more will be presented and discussed. 

Learning Objectives

• To support understanding of leading practices, policies, and procedures for building capacity to trauma-informed primary medical care and mental health services for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
• To be familiar with the trauma-informed care practices including a multidisciplinary coordinated warm-hand access model.
• Define common and complex integrated healthcare issues represented by the unique needs of victims and survivors.

Speakers:

• Ronald Chambers, MD, FAAFP
  • Designated Institutional Official and Program Director for the Dignity Health Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program,
  • Chair of the Family Medicine Department,
  • Chief of South Sacramento Hill Physicians,
  • Medical Director for Mercy Medical Safe Haven Clinic,
  • Physician Advisor for the Dignity Health Human Trafficking Response,
  • Clinical Faculty for UC Davis School of Medicine,
  • Clinical Associate Professor for California Northstate College of Medicine
• Jennifer Cox
  • Program Director of the Human Trafficking Medical Safe Haven for Dignity Health’s Graduate Medical Education Program

Webinar Replay: