Pilot action with Genetics healthcare professionals in Portugal
Background and Objectives
This pilot action aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a structured group supervision programme in Genetic Counselling, using a narrative-based approach.
The project responds to the increasing clinical and emotional complexity of genetic counselling practice and to the need to promote professional well-being, reflective practice and quality of care.
The main objectives were to:
- Evaluate whether a structured group supervision model is feasible within clinical genetic services;
- Explore the acceptability and perceived value of the programme among professionals;
- Identify early indications of benefit in terms of well-being, reflective capacity and clinical practice.
Participants
The pilot initially enrolled eight professionals providing genetic counselling within Portuguese public genetic services.
One participant withdrew at a very early stage of the project due to work-related constraints that prevented continued participation.
A total of seven participants completed the programme, corresponding to a completion rate of 87.5%. The final group included:
- 6 medical geneticists (3 junior and 3 senior)
- 1 genetic counsellor
All participants were working in central hospitals and across different areas of practice, including oncogenetics, paediatric genetics, neurogenetics and cardiogenetics.
Methodology and intervention
- Mixed-methods pilot feasibility study (quantitative and qualitative).
- One initial immersion session in Genetic Counseling Supervision followed by four online group supervision sessions, based on a narrative approach.
- Sessions focused on real clinical cases brought by participants, addressing emotional, ethical and communication challenges.
- Supervision took place in a protected, confidential and non-judgemental group setting.
Key results
- High engagement and adherence, despite demanding clinical workloads.
- Very strong supervisory working alliance, characterized by trust, collaboration and psychological safety.
- Session evaluations ranged from “positive” to “very positive”, particularly regarding:
- Impact on well-being
- Satisfaction with the programme
- Greater confidence in communicating complex genetic information
Qualitative feedback from participants
Participants described the supervision programme as:
- A safe and reflective learning space;
- A source of emotional validation and reduced professional isolation;
- A context for increased awareness of the emotional impact of genetic counselling work;
- A contributor to patient-centred and expectation-aware practice;
- Beneficial for clinical communication and management of complex cases.
Strengths and relevance
- A replicable model aligned with European discussions on sustainability and workforce well-being in genetics.
- Clear relevance for professional well-being, quality of care and service sustainability.
+ info: Read the article about the pilot
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