Measurable Outcomes
To evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies that we have implemented, we would encourage nurses to evaluate the education programs regarding female genital mutilation by filling out a questionnaire which would include questions such as:
For girls who have experienced female genital mutilation it may be important for them to complete a survey regarding their experience with health services. They may answers questions such as:
A valid question that would measure the effectiveness of the education that a woman receives about FGM will be reflected on her decision to continue the practice on her own daughter(s).
- Do you feel you have a broader understanding of what female genital mutilation is?
- Do you feel that you would be confident it working with individuals who have been affected by female genital mutilation?
- Are you aware of Canadian laws that consider this practice illegal? Does that deter you from practicing FGM?
For girls who have experienced female genital mutilation it may be important for them to complete a survey regarding their experience with health services. They may answers questions such as:
- Do you feel that your needs were addressed?
- Do you feel that the nurses and health care team offered appropriate resources such as brochures, pamphlets, and support networks?
- Do you feel that the nurse was educated about your issue and did he/ she provide information that was useful to you to help you understand FGM better?
A valid question that would measure the effectiveness of the education that a woman receives about FGM will be reflected on her decision to continue the practice on her own daughter(s).
- Based on the experience and information that you received about FGM, would you reconsider exposing your own daughter(s) to the practice of FGM or would you continue with the practice?
Conclusion
Female genital mutilation is important to child health because many children are being affected by this practice worldwide (Committee of Bioethics, 2011, p. 1088). When nurses are educated about these practices we are able to meet the physical and psychological needs of children. When people are aware of what FGM is and how it affects individuals, more resources can be made available to victims of FGM.