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- 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, John R. Iversen, Miriam Lense, Jessica A. MacLean, Susan M. Perkins
- Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):205-212. Published online October 22, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.009
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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Supplementary Material 
- Background
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.
Methods
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.
Results
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.
Conclusion
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.
- Reporting Guidelines for Music-Based Interventions Checklist: Explanation and Elaboration Guide
- Sheri L. Robb, K. Maya Story, Elizabeth Harman, Debra S. Burns, Joke Bradt, Emmeline Edwards, Tasha L. Golden, Christian Gold, John R. Iversen, Assal Habibi, Julene K. Johnson, Miriam Lense, Susan M. Perkins, Stacey Springs
- Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):190-204. Published online October 22, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.008
- 1,036 View
- 12 Download
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
PDFSupplementary Material
- Background
Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and eventual translation of music-based interventions (MBIs) into practice. Despite availability of Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions (RG-MBI, published 2011), multiple reviews reveal sustained problems with reporting quality and consistency. To address this, we convened an interdisciplinary expert panel to update and improve the utility and validity of the existing guidelines using a rigorous Delphi approach. The resulting updated checklist includes 12-items across eight areas considered essential to ensure transparent reporting of MBIs.
Methods
The purpose of this explanation and elaboration document is to facilitate consistent understanding, use, and dissemination of the revised RG-MBI. Members of the interdisciplinary expert panel collaborated to create the resulting guidance statement.
Results
This guidance statement offers: (1) the scope and intended use of the RG-MBI, (2) an explanation for each checklist item, with examples from published studies, and (3) 2 published studies with annotations indicating where the authors reported each checklist item.
Conclusion
Broader uptake of the RG-MBIs by study authors, editors, and peer reviewers will lead to better reporting of MBI trials, and in turn facilitate greater replication of research, improve cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses, and increase implementation of findings.
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