Digital health innovation to support sensitive enquiry about female genital mutilation

Abstract

Health professionals working in community settings are increasingly using mobile technologies to access information and support clients. A Mary Seacole Leadership Award enabled the production of an app, ‘Let's talk FGM’ (later becoming the web app letstalkfgm.nhs.uk), to assist health professionals to make sensitive inquiry about female genital mutilation (FGM). This article outlines the rationale for the project and the steps needed for successful app development. It illustrates how clinical practitioners can respond to service users' needs, and in collaboration with colleagues and community groups, create responsive, usable tools which harness digital technology. It also showcases the role of partnership working and networking to develop the skills needed to lead within digital health.