Protocol for the development of reporting guidance for interest-holder engagement in practice guidelines: the RIGHT-MuSE checklist

Background: Guideline developers have increasingly engaged various groups of interest-holders in different stages of guideline development. However, reporting on interest-holder engagement in practice guidelines often lacks transparency. Therefore, the RIGHT (Reporting Items of Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) working group, in collaboration with the MuSE Consortium, plans to develop the RIGHT-MuSE extension. Objectives: This protocol aims to outline the steps for the detailed development of the RIGHT-MuSE checklist, as well as strategies for its effective development, dissemination, and application. Methods: We will follow the methods recommended by the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network, and build on the experience from the development of the original RIGHT statement and its extensions. The development process of RIGHT-MuSE will consist of twelve specific steps: 1. Identifying the need for the checklist; 2. Obtaining funding; 3. Drafting a protocol and registering the project; 4. Establishing the working groups; 5. Reviewing background work; 6. Generating an initial list of items; 7. Conducting consensus surveys; 8. Holding consensus meetings; 9. Drafting the final RIGHT-MuSE checklist; 10. Conducting a pilot test of the checklist; 11. Developing an explanatory document; and 12. Disseminating the checklist. Discussion: The RIGHT-MuSE checklist will provide guideline developers with guidance for the systematic, scientific and transparent reporting of interest-holder engagement in practice guidelines. Additionally, developers and implementers of the RIGHT-MuSE checklist will use this protocol as a reference to ensure that the checklist they develop and implement adheres to the highest standards of transparency and quality. By promoting active and meaningful engagement of interest-holders, the RIGHT-MuSE checklist aims to foster inclusive and people centered processes in healthcare.