Jul 29 / Dr Priyesh Patel

FGM-IS Information Sharing

A Tool to Protect the Next Generation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted and harmful practice that continues to affect countless women and girls worldwide. In the UK alone, over 170,000 women are living with the devastating consequences of FGM. This severe violation of human rights demands urgent global attention. Healthcare professionals stand at the forefront of combating this issue, and their role in safeguarding young girls is paramount. To support their vital work, the Female Genital Mutilation Information Sharing (FGM-IS) system has been implemented to facilitate early intervention and protection for those at risk.

But how does this system work in practice? What do healthcare professionals need to know to effectively use FGM-IS? This blog will delve into the details, providing essential information and guidance.

A large cohort of survivors that you may come across: non-pregnant adults. Here we will review additional important factors to be aware of to safeguard the wellbeing of women with FGM.

This Ebook is dedicated to recognising red flags that indicate potential risks associated with pregnant women, offering insights into the indicators and risk factors to ensure the safety and well-being of expectant mothers.

This Ebook is dedicated to recognising red flags that indicate potential risks associated with pregnant women, offering insights into the indicators and risk factors to ensure the safety and well-being of expectant mothers.

This Ebook is dedicated to recognising red flags that indicate potential risks associated with pregnant women, offering insights into the indicators and risk factors to ensure the safety and well-being of expectant mothers.

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  1. Department of Health (DOH) FGM Information Standards
  2. What is the FGM-IS?
  3. What are it's Aims?
  4. Which organisations are submitting data?
  5. What information is Collected?
  6. Legalities
  7. What to tell patients
  8. Patient's Right to Object
  9. Asking More Questions
  10. Challenges & Considerations





Department of Health (DOH) FGM Information Standards

All healthcare professionals should be aware that the UK Department of Health's FGM Prevention Programme has implemented two information standards to help prevent and end FGM:
  1. FGM Enhanced Dataset
  2. FGM Information Sharing (FGM-IS)

What is FGM-IS?

The FGM Information Sharing (FGM-IS) system is a national IT system for authorised healthcare professionals and administrative staff in England to flag that a girl under the age of 18 has a family history of FGM.
It offers a digital solution to enhance safeguarding practices and is integrated within a broader safeguarding framework aimed at protecting girls at risk of FGM.

Indicators

Following the initial safeguarding risk assessment, authorised healthcare professionals and administrative staff have the ability to update the child's electronic health record, also known as the Summary Care Record. This update will include the following information:
  • An indicator that a girl has a family history of FGM
  • The date that the indicator was added on to the system.

Information Sharing

The system enables all authorised healthcare professionals and administrative staff to securely share FGM information with individuals who interact with the girl as she grows up.It also facilitates access to relevant information about the girl, regardless of the location of the healthcare provider.





Who can use it

FGM-IS is accessible across various healthcare settings, including acute Trusts, GP surgeries, and community services. It is designed to be accessible for all NHS-funded providers of healthcare to children. This includes professionals such as midwives, health visitors, school nurses, and local safeguarding leads.  FGM-IS is only for use in England, and only for the purpose of direct care.

The Advantages of FGM-IS

  • National Accessibility: Enables healthcare professionals nationwide to access crucial information about girls at risk of FGM regardless of their location.
  • Shared Information: Relevant FGM information is shared with authorized healthcare and administrative staff who come into contact with girls with a family history of FGM as they grow up.
  • Improved Safeguarding: Helps strengthen local systems to protect girls at risk of FGM.
  • Compassionate Care: Prevents repeated, distressing conversations about FGM, minimizing trauma for girls and their families.

How it works

01

Record

If a healthcare professional identifies a family history of female genital mutilation (FGM), they can record this information about the girl using a dedicated point of care application.

02

View

If the girl presents to another care setting, her record can then be accessed by other healthcare professionals involved in the girl's care. They would be able to clearly see that she has a family history of FGM.

03

Access

The FGM Family history indicator can be accessed via the National Care Record Service (NCRS) or with a local clinical system integrated with FGM-IS.

04

Safeguard

When assessing the girl's health, healthcare professionals should then consider any family history of FGM and maintain vigilance for safeguarding concerns, including FGM.





Challenges & Considerations

Safeguarding victims of FGM while effectively collecting data is a complex challenge. Professionals must balance protecting victims with their duty of care, navigating issues of fear, stigma, and mistrust. Openness, honesty, and a victim-cantered approach are essential in building trust and encouraging disclosure. While challenges persist, prioritizing the well-being of victims is paramount, regardless of cultural or immigration considerations. Continued support and care for survivors are crucial following any intervention.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?

• Visit the FGM Prevalence Dataset webpage at http://content.digital.nhs.uk/fgm
• Contact the NHS Digital contact centre on 0300 303 5678
• Email: enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk (please put ‘FGM’ in the subject field of your email).
Relevant Sources
https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/clinical-audits-and-registries/female-genital-mutilation-datasets 

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