TRANSLATION AND ADAPTATION OF THE GENETIC COUNSELING OUTCOME SCALE (GCOS-24) FOR THE EVALUATION OF GENETIC COUNSELING SERVICES IN QATAR.

Abstract

Background. The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24), introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2011, is a theory-driven patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) developed for evaluating clinical genetics services. Designed to assess five dimensions of empowerment, the GCOS-24 has been translated and adapted for use in various languages. However, its applicability to Arabic-speaking populations, specifically in Qatar, has not been explored. Aim. This project aimed to translate and culturally adapt the GCOS-24 for use in Qatar while adhering to internationally recommended guidelines for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of PROMs. Methods. The study involved forward and back translations of the GCOS-24, followed by cognitive interviews with a sample of the target population to ensure clarity and cultural relevance. The process was guided by an expert committee consisting of translators, the principal investigator (PI), and the instrument developer, Prof. Marion McAllister. The final version of the GCOS-24 will undergo preliminary validation to assess its psychometric properties, including internal consistency and sensitivity to change, among Arabic-speaking patients in Qatar. Results. The translation and cultural adaptation of the GCOS-24 into Arabic for use in Qatar were completed in this study. During cognitive interviews, most participants clearly understood the items as intended, although they provided feedback to enhance the clarity of some items. The expert committee approved the final changes, leading to the creation of the Arabic version of GCOS-24 adapted for use in Qatar: GCOS-24Qa. The preliminary validation process is ongoing, but the current response rate is low, estimated at 17 responses. Additional recruitment will be conducted to validate the GCOS-24Qa more comprehensively. Conclusion. In conclusion, this study represents an initial effort to translate and culturally adapt the GCOS-24 for use in Qatar. The newly adapted version, GCOS-24Qa, specifically tailored to Qatar's cultural context, has the potential to be used to improve the assessment of genetic counseling services in the country. The study highlights the importance of adhering to internationally recommended guidelines to preserve the psychometric properties of translated PROMs. Preliminary validation is currently underway towards comprehensive validation and implementation of the GCOS-24Qa. Our study provides a model for similar studies in other Arabic-speaking countries.