A profile of the genetic counsellor and genetic nurse profession in European countries

Abstract

Quality genetic healthcare services should be available throughout Europe. However, due to enhanced diagnostic and genetic testing options, the pressure on genetic counselling services has increased. It has been shown in many countries that appropriately trained genetic counsellors and genetic nurses can offer clinical care for patients seeking information or testing for a wide range of genetic conditions. The European Society of Human Genetics is setting up a system of accreditation for genetic counsellors, to ensure safe practice, however there has been little information about the practice and education of non-medical genetic counsellors in Europe. To collect baseline data, we approached key informants (leaders in national genetics organisations or experienced practitioners) to complete an online survey, reporting on the situation in their own country. Twenty-nine practitioners responded, providing data from 18 countries. The findings indicate huge variation in genetic counsellor numbers, roles, and education across Europe. For example, in UK and The Netherlands, there are more than four counsellors per million population, while in Germany, Hungary, Turkey, and Czech Republic, there are no non-medical counsellors. There are specific educational programmes for genetic counsellors in seven countries, but only France has a specific governing legal framework for genetic counsellors. In the post-genomic era, with added pressure on health systems due to increases in availability and use of genetic testing, these disparities are likely to result in inequalities in service provided to European citizens. This study underpins the need for a coherent European approach to accreditation of genetic counsellors.