Table 1

Summary of FGM Sister Study aims and objectives by work package

Work package 1Work package 2
Aim: To qualitatively explore and understand the timing preferences for deinfibulation and how NHS FGM services could be improved for type 3 FGM survivors (WP1a), their male partners (WP1b) and HCPs (WP1c). Aim: To use established techniques with survivors (WP2a) and stakeholders (WP2b) to synthesise the qualitative research findings, inform best practice and policy recommendations around the timing of deinfibulation and FGM care provision and identify future actions.
 Objectives:

  1. to explore knowledge, awareness and understanding of FGM and deinfibulation (WP1a,b,c)

  2. to elicit views on preferences for the timing of deinfibulation and the rationale for these (WP1a,b,c)

  3. to explore perspectives on the decision making process around deinfibulation (WP1a,b)

  4. to explore knowledge, awareness and experiences of FGM services and support (WP1a,b,c)

  5. to understand the enablers, motivators and barriers to FGM care seeking behaviours (WP1a,b)

  6. to explore how HCPs describe, explain and reason about their care provision for FGM survivors and their families (WP1c)

  7. to understand how FGM care provision could be improved to best meet the needs of FGM survivors, their families and HCPs who support them in their local context (WP1a,b,c)

 Objectives:

  1. to explore views and reflections on the trustworthiness of our interpretation of the data and the conclusions drawn (WP2a,b)

  2. to establish if there is consensus about the optimal timing of deinfibulation (WP2a,b)

  3. to identify the key recommendations to inform NHS FGM care provision (WP2a,b)

  4. to explore the facilitators and barriers to implementation of changes to NHS FGM care provision (WP2b)

  5. to explore views on the requirements for future FGM research (eg, RCTs) (WP2b)

  • FGM, female genital mutilation; HCPs, healthcare professionals; RCT, randomised clinical trial; WP, work package.