Experience of the Evolving Roles of Nurses in Genetic Counselling in Spain: An Interpretive Description Study.

AIM: This study explores the experiences and challenges faced by Spanish nurses involved in genetic counselling.

BACKGROUND

Genetic counselling is a vital component of modern healthcare, yet its regulation and professional recognition vary globally. In Spain, despite growing demand, nurses specializing in genetics lack formal recognition, limiting both patient care quality and professional development.

INTRODUCTION

Nurses play a key role in delivering genetic counselling through patient education, emotional support, and care coordination. However, their role remains structurally undefined in Spain, highlighting the need for policy and educational reforms.

METHODS

We conducted an interpretive description study grounded in an interpretivist-constructivist stance. Data were generated through semi-structured individual interviews, one focus group, and field notes. Analysis followed the interpretive description analytic logic (iterative coding, constant comparative analysis, integrative synthesis) to inductively develop practice-relevant interpretive themes.

RESULTS

Four subthemes emerged: professionalism, experience, needs, and team collaboration. Nurses emphasized the value of continuous training, therapeutic relationships, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Structural challenges included limited resources, lack of formal recognition, and insufficient supervision.

DISCUSSION: Nurses are essential in providing patient-centred genetic counselling, yet face barriers such as inadequate training, institutional support, and unclear professional boundaries. Emotional intelligence and teamwork were highlighted as key to effective practice.

CONCLUSION

This study calls for urgent reforms to enhance training, recognition, and integration of nurses into genetic counselling services in Spain.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: This research underscores the importance of recognizing nursing as a valuable and viable option for expanding genetic counselling services. Compared with other healthcare professionals, nurses possess unique strengths such as strong communication skills, long-term patient engagement, and holistic care approaches, essential for effective genetic counselling. Their proximity to patients and ability to provide continuity of care make them ideal candidates for this evolving role. By prioritizing nursing-led genetic counselling, Spain can improve access to services while offering new professional opportunities for nurses. Institutional support, formal recognition, and accredited postgraduate education pathways are needed to ensure high-quality service delivery and career development. Investing in nursing within clinical genetics not only enhances patient outcomes but also strengthens the sustainability and efficiency of genomic healthcare in Spain.