A preliminary adaptation and validation of the genetic counseling outcome scale (GCOS-24) for use in Greece

The demand for genetic testing and counseling services continues to grow as there is a utility to guide diagnosis and treatment for a range of genetic conditions. Genetic counseling (GC) is a medical practice that provides information and counseling to patients and relatives at risk of recurrence of a genetic disease and helps them understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of the genetic information of the disease. Health professionals working in this field need reliable measurement tools to evaluate the results of their interventions, intending to ensure quality service improvements and planning successful disease management strategies. The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24) is a brief self-reported questionnaire of 24 questions administered to assess GC interventions and the outcomes of the use of these services in patients and caregivers of individuals with genetic diseases. It has been translated and validated in many languages, but not in the Greek language, despite the increased need for GC services in Greece. Thus, the questionnaire was translated into Modern Greek, and the reverse translation method was followed. 257 people participated in the research (63.6% women, 67.8% between 20 and 40 years, 45.9% University education of a high educational level). The construct validity of the questionnaire was examined through exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha. A significant difference in GCOS from the original scale is the fewer items—19 as opposed to 24. Greek GCOS is constructed of a two-factor structure and is a reliable tool (α = 0.79) for assessing patient empowerment in GC. With empowerment serving as an end measure, as it is focused on patient-centered care, this study adds to the international validation process of the GCOS-24 with the eventual objective of utilizing this instrument as a PROM to assess and enhance the services of GC in diverse clinical genetics settings.