The task for the health care professional is to be curious. Researching barriers and facilitators to discussing female genital mutilation/cutting in a health care setting
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2021-12-09
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en
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Discussing female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in health care is of paramount importance to provide high-quality care and prevent (young) women from undergoing the practice. Despite this, research suggests that the topic is often avoided during consultations. This study aimed to review which barriers and facilitators influence the lack of discussing FGM/C in health care. The study is two-fold in that findings derived from both a scoping review of published research, and 20 in-depth interviews with Dutch professionals involved in FGM/C care or prevention practices and cultural mediators. Some major barriers to discussing FGM/C were a lack of general knowledge regarding FGM/C, language barriers, the sensitive nature of the topic, and time constraints. Facilitators included building a professional-patient relationship based on mutual trust and respect, enhanced collaboration between institutions involved in FGM/C prevention and care, and adequate education and training on FGM/C for professionals.
To improve the experiences of FGM/C-affected women and/or (prospected) parents from practicing countries, and increase the likelihood of girls at risk being identified, the findings of this study imply the need for more training opportunities for professionals to gain confidence in discussing FGM/C. Next to that, respect and acceptance were emphasized to bridge barriers between professionals and women with FGM/C or (prospected) parents.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen