Which finding in the client's electronic health record may indicate trafficking?

Which finding in the client's electronic health record may indicate trafficking?

• A. Inability to speak for oneself
• B. Repeated visits to a provider for the same diagnosis
• C. Evidence of controlling or dominating relationships
• D. Lack of control of one's own money/finances

Answer: (C)

Trafficking hinges on coercive control by another person, so documentation that shows someone is in a controlling or dominating relationship directly signals the power dynamics at play. When the chart notes that a partner dictates medical decisions, monitors or restricts the patient, or otherwise exerts control, it aligns with how traffickers keep victims compliant and under their influence. Other red flags like difficulty speaking for oneself, repeatedly seeking the same diagnosis, or lacking control over money can occur for various reasons and are less specific to trafficking. If such a control dynamic is documented, it’s important to provide private, trauma-informed assessment, ensure the patient’s safety, and involve social work or trafficking resources.

Trafficking hinges on coercive control by another person, so documentation that shows someone is in a controlling or dominating relationship directly signals the power dynamics at play. When the chart notes that a partner dictates medical decisions, monitors or restricts the patient, or otherwise exerts control, it aligns with how traffickers keep victims compliant and under their influence. Other red flags like difficulty speaking for oneself, repeatedly seeking the same diagnosis, or lacking control over money can occur for various reasons and are less specific to trafficking. If such a control dynamic is documented, it’s important to provide private, trauma-informed assessment, ensure the patient’s safety, and involve social work or trafficking resources.