Peer-reviewed article
A study protocol for international consensus guidelines on music therapy for paediatric posterior fossa syndrome.
Burns J, Pool J, Twyford K, Baron A, Thomas M et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study protocol describes a plan to develop international consensus guidelines for using music therapy with children who have posterior fossa syndrome, a condition that causes mutism, coordination problems, emotional disturbance, and cognitive difficulties after brain tumour surgery. The research will use a two-phase approach, starting with advisory panels from North America, Europe and Australia to identify priorities, then a Delphi process with experienced music therapists to reach consensus on best practices. The resulting guidelines aim to support consistent, high-quality music therapy for affected children and their families.
Key points
- Posterior fossa syndrome is a common complication following surgical removal of paediatric posterior fossa tumours, characterised by mutism, ataxia, emotional disturbance, and cognitive impairment
- There is limited evidence regarding effective therapeutic approaches for PFS, including the role of music therapy
- Phase 1 involves pre-Delphi consultation with three regional Advisory Panels (North America, Europe, Australia) comprising family representatives, music therapists, allied health professionals, and medical practitioners
- Phase 2 uses an international Delphi process with a minimum of 30 experienced paediatric music therapists across three to five iterative rounds, with consensus defined as ≥80% agreement
- The study will be conducted in line with DELPHISTAR recommendations for transparent and rigorous guideline development
Limitations
This is a study protocol describing planned research rather than completed results, so no evidence of effectiveness is yet available. The low incidence and clinical heterogeneity of posterior fossa syndrome preclude traditional empirical research designs, meaning the guidelines will be based on expert consensus rather than randomised controlled trials.
Abstract
Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS) is a common complication following surgical resection of paediatric posterior fossa tumours, characterised by mutism, ataxia, emotional disturbance, and cognitive impairment. Despite significant rehabilitation needs, there is limited evidence regarding effective therapeutic approaches, including the role of music therapy. Music therapy is uniquely positioned to address the multidimensional needs of children with PFS, yet the low incidence and clinical heterogeneity of the syndrome preclude traditional empirical research designs. International consensus guidelines are therefore needed to consolidate clinical knowledge and support consistent, high-quality practice. This protocol describes a two-phase study to develop international consensus guidelines for music therapy practice with children with PFS. Phase 1 involves a pre-Delphi consultation with three regional Advisory Panels (North America, Europe, Australia), each comprising family representatives, music therapists, allied health professionals, and medical practitioners. These panels will identify clinical priorities, family concerns, and interdisciplinary outcomes to inform the development of the survey instrument. Phase 2 uses an international Delphi process with a minimum of 30 experienced paediatric music therapists, proceeding through three to five iterative rounds of item generation, rating, and refinement. Consensus is defined a priori as ≥80% agreement. Quantitative analysis will be conducted in R; qualitative data will be analysed thematically. The study will be conducted and reported in line with DELPHISTAR recommendations. The resulting consensus guidelines will support developmentally responsive, family-centred music therapy assessment and intervention for children with PFS, while identifying priority areas for future research in paediatric neuro-oncology and neurorehabilitation.