Article Text

Download PDFPDF

P148 Female genital mutilation – when do you call 101?
Free
  1. Kanch Seneviratne1,
  2. Katie Boog1,
  3. Susan Cooper1,
  4. Shereen Munatsi1,
  5. Elizabeth Carlin1,2
  1. 1Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
  2. 2Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton-in-Ashfield, UK

Abstract

Introduction Reporting cases of FGM in those aged under 18 years became mandatory in 2015. Protecting those who have been affected and safeguarding those at potential risk is paramount.

Aims To evaluate staff knowledge of FGM and the volume of FGM seen in two neighbouring sexual health services.

Methods Clinicians were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their knowledge and understanding of the FGM care pathway. Case notes of women with a FGM code since its introduction in 2014 were reviewed.

Results Forty-six clinicians completed the questionnaire Twenty-two women, aged 24–59 years, were identified with a FGM code, 91% were of Black African ethnicity.

Abstract P048 Table 1

Female Genital Mutilation

Overall, 74% of staff were aware of the need to ask about other daughters, social services referral and police contact. A quarter were unable to summarise appropriate action plans, of particular concern in this group were those who felt they understood the care pathway. Only a fifth stated that they coded genital piercings as FGM.

Discussion There is a clear knowledge gap in actions and coding required in relation to FGM. Over 80% staff recognised this and requested training. Plans are underway to deliver this and close the gap as a priority. A flow chart for quick reference has been developed and will be available at the conference.

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.