Introduction / Rationale: Occupational therapy (OT) can play a critical role in supporting survivors of human trafficking as they re-imagine and pursue their chosen futures. However, the benefit of OT programs for survivors is unclear as existing studies lack standardized assessments to evaluate key survivor needs: safety, well-being, social connectedness, and self-sufficiency. Tools such as the RTI International’s Outcomes for Human Trafficking Survivors Tool (OHTS) in combination with occupation-based assessments could improve understanding of survivors’ needs and OT program benefits.
Objectives: We conducted a Community Participatory Action Research study with an OT non-governmental organization serving female survivors in USA to examine OT programmatic outcomes. Data sources included provider interview transcripts, and evaluation data from the OHTS, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and World Health Organization Quality of Life measure.
Methods / Approach: In phase one, we used descriptive and ANOVA statistical tests retrospectively and prospectively to analyze service recipient evaluations and re-evaluations over a 4-year period. Phase two included thematic analysis of evaluation reports and OT provider interviews.
Results / Practice Implications: Data analysis will conclude June 2025. Emerging quantitative results from the OHTS reports show clinically relevant improvements in behavioral health, self-care, social connectedness, self-sufficiency, and well-being categories for survivors.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The effectiveness of OT intervention to support survivors' thriving in their new occupational identities was measured through the use of a first-of-its-kind standardized tool for measuring outcomes of human trafficking and standardized OT evaluations. Robust OT program evaluation is vital to identify best practices with this underserved population. Research is slowly emerging to demonstrate the profession's unique contribution to survivors learning to thrive again.