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Health care providers’ (HCPs) readiness to adopt an interactive 3D webapp in consultations about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C): Qualitative evaluation of a prototype

Holuszko O, Abdulcadir J, Abbott D, Clancy J · 30 Jun 2022

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether health care providers (HCPs) would find an interactive digital 3D application (webapp) showing pelvic and genital anatomy to be helpful in patient consultations about female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting: Recorded audio/video calls with HCPs in migration-destination countries of USA, UK, Sweden, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Sample: Seven HCPs from various disciplines experienced in care for women and girls with FGM/C in migration-destination settings. Methods: Audio- and video-recorded usability testing with semi-structured interview protocol, transcribed manually and analysed thematically. Main outcome measures: Contextualised data regarding HCP’s willingness to use a 3D webapp visualising anatomy in FGM/C in consultations with patients. Results: All but one of the seven HCPs interviewed expressed keen interest in using this webapp and its 3D visuals of anatomy after FGM/C in consultations with patients. In their feedback, participants shared the common contexts for the use of visuals in health care for FGM/C and the concepts they are used to reinforce. Participating HCPs also highlighted the need for visuals that patients can relate to, as well as features that would adapt to and improve the continuum of care for women and girls with FGM/C. Conclusions: Digital applications with interactive 3D models of pelvic and genital anatomy that are accessible, accurate, and adaptable are likely to aid HCPs in communicating clinical information about FGM/C to patients in consultations. Funding: N/A Keywords: FGM/C, FGM, FGC, 3D, pelvis, interactive, patients, consultations, application, webapp, genital, vulva, anatomy, female genital cutting