[Expert Validation of the FACT-C Survey for Measuring Quality of Life in Chilean Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer].

In Chile, there is limited information regarding the effects on the quality of life of patients undergoing colorectal resective surgery. Although the GES guideline of management of Colorectal Cancer (2013) includes a quality-of-life survey, presented in a non-translated version to Spanish, without instructions regarding its application method, and recently validated (2023). On the other hand, post-surgical and oncological follow-ups focus on evaluating symptoms, signs, and complementary tests associated with recurrences, leaving the non-standardized evaluation of quality of life to the discretion of the healthcare provider. Therefore, the need arises for a standardized instrument that evaluates the quality of life of patients diagnosed, treated, and monitored for colorectal cancer.

Aim: This article presents and discusses the results of the content validation of the FACT-C survey by experts from the colorectal surgery team of the UC-Christus Health Network for its application in Chilean patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (in a second phase).

Methods: Validation was performed through an evaluation and calculation of the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC) of each item using a Likert-type survey that evaluated their coherence, clarity, and relevance, as well as the sufficiency of each dimension.

Results: An average of CVCs above 0.9 were observed, wich means an excellent an average of general CVCs above 0.9, which means an excellent correlation between the experts regarding the ability of the survey to measure quality of life. In addition, minor modifications were made to allow for a better understanding of four items.

Conclusion: Our results affirm that the FACT-C survey has an excellent CVC, allowing us to continue with the next stage of the validation process in a sample of Chilean patients to ensure its applicability in our population.