Promoting reflective practice: Exploring access to supervision in European genetic counselling programmes

Genetic Counselling Supervision (GCS) plays an integral role in professional development, stimulating reflective practice and helping to prevent burnout. Nevertheless, evidence points to insufficient practice of GCS. This study aimed to explore the current state of counselling supervision access during MSc training, along with barriers and facilitators for its implementation. MSc coordinators of the current EBMG accredited programmes were invited to participate in this study via email, with the request to fill out a questionnaire. The qualitative data obtained was reviewed using thematic analysis, while descriptive statistics was used for the quantitative data. GCS was considered crucial for fostering professional development, safe practice, and emotional support for the future professionals. While all MSc programmes included counselling supervision in their course curricula, its implementation was highly heterogeneous. Students have access to GCS during clinical placements in 62,5% of the programmes, facilitated by institutional support and EBMG guidelines. Several barriers hindered its broader implementation, as was the case of a shortage of senior genetic counsellors and the lack of professional recognition in some countries. This study compiled evidence of the insufficient practice of GCS across Europe and its limited integration in MSc programmes. Therefore, we recommend educational pathways actively promote genetic counselling supervision routines to ensure graduates enter the workforce with the necessary tools to provide care with the expected standard of safety and quality, while maintaining a reflective practice.