The scientific journal European Journal of Human Genetics has published the article Holding the story, holding the professional: a pilot study of genetic counselling supervision in Portugal, one of the first scientific outputs of the MAG-SUDOE project. This publication in a leading international journal represents a significant milestone for the project and contributes to expanding the scientific evidence on genetic counselling supervision across Europe.
This publication provides the first evidence on the implementation of structured supervision models in genetic counsellingin Portugal and lays the groundwork for their adaptation and deployment for the intervention now occuring in Portugal, Spain and France. The findings will contribute to the development of a transnational genetic counselling supervision model aimed at promoting professional well-being, resilience and strengthening the quality of genetic healthcare services throughout the SUDOE region.
The article can be accessed through the following SharedIt link: https://rdcu.be/fzj7n
Study and Findings
The paper presents the results of MAG-SUDOE’s first pilot action, which focused on evaluating the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of a practice that is still not widely implemented across Europe:genetic counselling supervision. Professionals working in this field regularly face emotionally demanding situations, clinical uncertainty, and complex ethical dilemmas, making structured opportunities for reflection and professional support increasingly important.
To explore the value of this approach, the research team implemented a pilot group supervision programme within Portuguese public genetic services. Using a narrative-based framework, participants discussed real clinical cases, reflected on professional challenges, and collaboratively explored strategies to improve their emotional and professional well-being, and consequently, the care for patients and families.
The findings demonstrate that genetic counselling supervision is both feasible and highly acceptable for professionals working in genetic healthcare. Participants particularly valued having a safe space to share experiences, address the emotional impact of complex cases, and learn from the perspectives of their peers. The programme also encouraged deeper reflection on clinical practice, strengthened communication skills, and helped reduce feelings of professional isolation.
Beyond the results obtained in Portugal, the study provides important scientific evidence on an emerging need within genetic services: supporting not only the technical training of professionals but also their emotional well-being and ability to manage complex clinical situations. This evidence will be instrumental in the next phases of MAG-SUDOE, which aims to develop a shared genetic counselling supervision model across Portugal, Spain, and France to enhance the quality and sustainability of genetic counselling services throughout the SUDOE area.