The research article titled 'Preferences for deinfibulation (opening) surgery and female genital mutilation service provision: A qualitative study' was published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on December 26th, 2022. The study aimed to investigate the opinions of female genital mutilation (FGM) survivors, men, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the timing of deinfibulation surgery and the provision of NHS services.
METHODS
The study was conducted in various regions, settings, and services across the UK to capture diverse experiences. Researchers deliberately recruited FGM survivors and men from the West Midlands, London, and Manchester, where there is a community practicing type III FGM. Healthcare professionals and other stakeholders were recruited from different parts of the UK. The study involved 44 FGM survivors, 13 men, and 44 HCPs, as well as 10 participants in two community workshops and 30 stakeholders in a national workshop. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants either in person or over the phone, with the assistance of trained interpreters.
MAIN FINDINGS
The main findings of the study indicated that deficiencies in professionals' knowledge affected the provision of appropriate care for FGM survivors. While there were instances of good practice, overall service provision was inadequate, particularly in mental health support. There was no consensus on the optimal timing of deinfibulation among the three groups studied. FGM survivors preferred deinfibulation before pregnancy, HCPs favored antenatal deinfibulation with the survivor's choice, and men did not have a clear consensus. It was agreed that deinfibulation should be performed in a hospital setting by a suitable HCP, and decision-making regarding deinfibulation was deemed complex.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, FGM service provision needs improvement to better align with survivors' perspectives and preferences. Deinfibulation services should be promoted widely, offered in hospital settings by suitable HCPs, and at different time points to accommodate survivors' choices. Future services should be developed in collaboration with survivors to ensure clinical and cultural appropriateness. Guidelines should be updated to meet survivors' needs and ensure consistency in service provision.
OUR THOUGHTS
Healthcare providers and frontline workers have a responsibility to continually educate themselves to enhance patient care and community support. This study underscores the importance of improving services for FGM survivors, emphasizing the need for action and education as the initial steps.
SOURCES
For further details, the full report is available for public access without requiring an institutional login or subscription at: http://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17358
