The urgency for a change in genetics healthcare provision: views from Portuguese medical geneticists

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Catarina Costa (Author) Other; Lídia Guimarães (Author) Other; Ruxanda Lungu Baião (Author) Other; Marina Serra de Lemos (Author) FPCEUP; Luís Filipe Azevedo (Author) FMUP; Milena Paneque (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Community Genetics

Vol. 15

Pages: 319-331

ISSN: 1868-310X

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-1RS

DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00702-1

Abstract (EN): In the last decades, genetics has experienced significant technological advancements worldwide. However, in Portugal, serious limitations persist, compromising the functioning of healthcare in medical genetics. This study aimed to promote sharing and discussion among genetic medical professionals, to outline concrete actions to address gaps in clinical practice. Three focus groups were conducted with 19 specialists in medical genetics. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method to extract the main themes from the discussions. From the analysis, four conceptual themes emerged: (i) framing Portuguese genetic services in light of the European context; (ii) improvement of medical genetics education and population literacy; (iii) transforming of medical genetics services; and (iv) operationalizing the change. The results demonstrated that increasing training resources and strengthening multiprofessional teams by hiring more genetic professionals, such as clinical geneticists, molecular geneticists, and other genetic specialists, is crucial to enhancing the responsiveness of genetic services. Integrating medical genetics into all specialties and primary care, as well as updating the national network of medical genetics, are critical points for increasing equity and enabling healthcare to be provided more fairly. Including other medical genetics professionals such as genetic counsellors, nurses and psychologists also plays a significant role in providing comprehensive and quality care. This collaborative approach aims to provide effective genetic assistance and enhance the adequacy of genetic healthcare. The findings are compiled as recommendations to support the profession moving forward that can be applied to other healthcare contexts worldwide.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13