The FGM App: a Novel Approach to Teaching Students about Female Genital Mutiliation(FGM) Using Mobile Technology
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Abstract
Background:-
The development of mobile applications (apps) designed for medical professionals as part of mobile learning (m-learning) is an area of e-learning that is rapidly expanding in medical education education1,2. A high proportion of medical students and junior doctors now own smartphones and tablets and use medical apps to support their learning and clinical practice3. Several studies suggest that there is now a demand for apps for reference materials, classification/treatment algorithms and general medical knowledge4
Objective:-
To create a user friendly educational tool for medical students which aims to enhance their understanding of FGM and improve their ability to treat and support FGM survivors. The app will help them to identify and protect those at risk of FGM. There is scope for using the app in classrooms and in clinical settings.
Methods:-
We reviewed current UCL medical school teaching on FGM. This included:
A video documentary on FGM
An FGM survivor speaking about her experiences
An interactive lecture including exam questions and OSCE scenarios
We also reviewed current apps dedicated to teaching on FGM available on google play and iOS
Results:-
The only app we found available in the App Store was dedicated to FGM education was the CFAB app funded by the UK Department of Education5. It was designed for specifically for healthcare professionals. This app provided useful information about FGM, including WHO classifications, complications of FGM and UK law on FGM . The information was made available in text, audio and video. The app also included self-assessment opportunities and a digital certificate. However the app showed no images or diagrams of FGM which I think should be a key feature of the app. The layout could have been improved and although a digital certificate was offered, the user did not receive one.
Using the research on the current FGM app available and studies on what should be included in educational materials on FGM, we designed an app using web-based software asdy.me. Our app includes information about FGM, epidemiology, classification and complications of FGM. The app also features information about the law, referral pathways and links to organisations against FGM. We have also included exam style questions on FGM as we think self-assessment is an important tool in education.
Conclusions:
We are currently working with programmers are to create an app available for students with iOS and Android software. The app will be tested and evaluated in focus groups of year 5 medical students at UCL and improvements will be made when we receive feedback.
References
1 Teri S,Acai A, Griffith,Mahmoud Q, Ma DW, Newton G, Student use and pedagogical impact of a mobile learning application, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, March-April 2014;(2):121-35
2 Fiordelli M, Diviani N, Schulz P.J, Mapping mhealth research: A decade of evolution, Journal of Medical internet research, Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2013, volume 15 issue 5
3 Payne K, Wharrad H and Watts K,Smartphone and medical related App use among medical students and junior doctors in the United Kingdom (UK): a regional survey, BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 2012, 12:121
4 Franko OI, Bhola S. iPad apps for orthopedic surg, Orthopedics 2011 December ;34(12):978-81.
5 FGM Awareness on the App Store on iTunes - Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fgm-awareness/id793252643?mt=8
The development of mobile applications (apps) designed for medical professionals as part of mobile learning (m-learning) is an area of e-learning that is rapidly expanding in medical education education1,2. A high proportion of medical students and junior doctors now own smartphones and tablets and use medical apps to support their learning and clinical practice3. Several studies suggest that there is now a demand for apps for reference materials, classification/treatment algorithms and general medical knowledge4
Objective:-
To create a user friendly educational tool for medical students which aims to enhance their understanding of FGM and improve their ability to treat and support FGM survivors. The app will help them to identify and protect those at risk of FGM. There is scope for using the app in classrooms and in clinical settings.
Methods:-
We reviewed current UCL medical school teaching on FGM. This included:
A video documentary on FGM
An FGM survivor speaking about her experiences
An interactive lecture including exam questions and OSCE scenarios
We also reviewed current apps dedicated to teaching on FGM available on google play and iOS
Results:-
The only app we found available in the App Store was dedicated to FGM education was the CFAB app funded by the UK Department of Education5. It was designed for specifically for healthcare professionals. This app provided useful information about FGM, including WHO classifications, complications of FGM and UK law on FGM . The information was made available in text, audio and video. The app also included self-assessment opportunities and a digital certificate. However the app showed no images or diagrams of FGM which I think should be a key feature of the app. The layout could have been improved and although a digital certificate was offered, the user did not receive one.
Using the research on the current FGM app available and studies on what should be included in educational materials on FGM, we designed an app using web-based software asdy.me. Our app includes information about FGM, epidemiology, classification and complications of FGM. The app also features information about the law, referral pathways and links to organisations against FGM. We have also included exam style questions on FGM as we think self-assessment is an important tool in education.
Conclusions:
We are currently working with programmers are to create an app available for students with iOS and Android software. The app will be tested and evaluated in focus groups of year 5 medical students at UCL and improvements will be made when we receive feedback.
References
1 Teri S,Acai A, Griffith,Mahmoud Q, Ma DW, Newton G, Student use and pedagogical impact of a mobile learning application, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, March-April 2014;(2):121-35
2 Fiordelli M, Diviani N, Schulz P.J, Mapping mhealth research: A decade of evolution, Journal of Medical internet research, Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2013, volume 15 issue 5
3 Payne K, Wharrad H and Watts K,Smartphone and medical related App use among medical students and junior doctors in the United Kingdom (UK): a regional survey, BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 2012, 12:121
4 Franko OI, Bhola S. iPad apps for orthopedic surg, Orthopedics 2011 December ;34(12):978-81.
5 FGM Awareness on the App Store on iTunes - Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/fgm-awareness/id793252643?mt=8
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