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Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions: An update and validation study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions: An update and validation study

Sheri L Robb, Stacey Springs, Emmeline Edwards, Tasha L. Golden, Julene K. Johnson, Debra S. Burns, Melita Belgrave, Joke Bradt, Christian Gold, Assal Habibi, …
Integrative medicine research, v 14(3), 101199
Sep 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101199
PMID: 40785755
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2025.101199View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Interventions Music therapy Reporting guidelines Reporting Quality Music
Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and translation of music-based interventions (MBIs). The 2011 Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions were developed to improve transparency and reporting quality of published research; however, problems with reporting quality persist. The purpose of this study was to update and validate the 2011 reporting guidelines using rigorous Delphi approach that involved an interdisciplinary group of MBI researchers; and to develop an explanation and elaboration guidance statement to support dissemination and usage. We followed the methodological framework for developing reporting guidelines recommended by the EQUATOR Network and guidance recommendations for developing health research reporting guidelines. Our three-stage process included: (1) an initial field scan, (2) a consensus process using Delphi surveys (two rounds) and Expert Panel meetings, and (3) development and dissemination of an explanation and elaboration document. First-Round survey findings revealed that the original checklist items were capturing content that investigators deemed essential to MBI reporting; however, it also revealed problems with item wording and terminology. Subsequent Expert Panel meetings and the Second-Round survey centered on reaching consensus for item language. The revised RG-MBI checklist has a total of 12-items that pertain to eight different components of MBI interventions including name, theory/scientific rationale, content, interventionist, individual/group, setting, delivery schedule, and treatment fidelity. We recommend that authors, journal editors, and reviewers use the RG-MBI guidelines, in conjunction with methods-based guidelines (e.g., CONSORT) to accelerate and improve the scientific rigor of MBI research.

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Domestic collaboration
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Integrative & Complementary Medicine
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