Purpose of the course:
The purpose of this course is to equip participants with essential communication and counselling skills tailored to the complex, emotional, and decision-rich context of genetic counselling, where professionals must help individuals and families understand and adapt to medically and psychologically significant information. Communication in genetic counselling is a two-way process that requires not only clear explanation of genetic risk and testing options but also active listening to the fears, values, and concerns of counselees. There is a clear need for structured training because effective communication behaviours, such as responding empathically and eliciting patient perspectives, directly influence patient understanding, satisfaction, and informed decision-making. Role play conducted in small group (3-5 participants) and experiential learning are recognised as effective instructional strategies in improving communication competence in this field, enhancing participants’ confidence and future professional performance. Many communication skills training programs have demonstrated improvements in counselling behaviours, underlining the importance of practice-oriented approaches. Advanced communication skills are increasingly needed as genomic testing becomes more complex and mainstreamed into broader healthcare practice. The course also addresses psychosocial and cultural dimensions of counselling, helping practitioners to support adaptation to genetic diagnoses and navigate emotionally charged conversations. By focusing on both theory and applied practice, participants will leave better prepared to integrate patient-centred communication into routine clinical genetic counselling consultations, ultimately improving quality of care and patient outcomes.
Course format:
Lectures and case discussions/role play
Teaching methods:
Lectures and workshops
Case discussions
Role play
Venue: University Centre of Bertinoro
Registration Fee: The Registration fee for the entire course (€730,00) includes tuition, course material, all meals, coffee breaks, social dinner and transportation from Bologna Autostazione/airport to the course venue and back. On November 15th the transportation service will be scheduled at 5.30/6.00 pm approx. On November 19th the transportation service will leave from Bertinoro to Bologna airport/city centre at the end of the course at 2.00 pm (estimated arrival time to Bologna 3.15/3.30 pm). If your flight arrives/leaves on November 14th/20th we suggest to spend the night in Bologna.
Accommodation: You’ll be lodged at the Course Venue.
The rate for a single STANDARD room occupancy in bed and breakfast is €49,00/night;
The rate for a single SUPERIOR room occupancy in bed and breakfast is € 55,00/night – LIMITED AVAILABILITY;
The rate for a double STANDARD room occupancy in bed and breakfast is € 39,00/night/person;
The rate for a double SUPERIOR room occupancy in bed and breakfast is € 45,00/night/person. – LIMITED AVAILABILITY
If you’d like to be lodge in a double room please specify in the field note of the registration form your roommate. Otherwise, the secretary office will arrange the combination.
In order to book your accommodation please take note that the course starts on November 16th at 9.00 am and finishes on November 19th at lunch time.
Fellowships application: You can apply for the Felllowships offered by the European Society of Human Genetics.
The fellowship is including tuition, course material, lunches, coffee breaks, dinners, transportation to the course venue and back and 4 nights accommodation in double rooms to be shared with another participant at the course venue from November 15th to 19th.
Please note that other travel arrangements must be made individually – flights are not included in the registration fee.
For the application, you need to send to rpartisani@ceub.it your cv, a reference and a motivation letter.
Deadline for applying July 17th.
You will receive the notification of acceptance (or no acceptance) by the middle of July.
Secure a guaranteed place:
If you would like to secure a guaranteed place in the course regardless of the outcome of your fellowship application, please make sure to register via the general registration link below. You may select bank transfer as your payment method and postpone the payment until you have been informed about the outcome of your fellowship application.
Without prior registration, we cannot guarantee a spot should your fellowship application not be successful.
Maximum number of admitted participants: 35
Deadline for receiving the registration fee payment: September 4 ,2026
IN ORDER TO REGISTER TO THE COURSE PLEASE CLICK ON “BOOK ON LINE” BELOW: