Developing Reporting Guidelines for Social Media Research (RESOME) by Using a Modified Delphi Method: Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Communication Science

Background:

• Social media platforms are increasingly used for public health interventions.
• Current reporting practices for social media interventions lack consensus and standardized guidance.
• Need for guidelines incorporating behavior change theories and engagement frameworks for robust evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, publish, and promote the Reporting Guidelines for Social Media Research (RESOME) checklist.
• Establish standardized reporting for social media public health interventions.
• Enhance the evaluation of intervention effectiveness and user engagement.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi approach involving two rounds of expert and stakeholder questionnaires.
• Consensus building through rating agreement on statements until consensus is reached.
• Finalization of guidelines via a web-based consensus meeting and subsequent piloting for clarity.

Main Results:

• The first draft of the RESOME checklist has been developed.
• Round 1 of the Delphi survey was completed between July and December 2021.
• Round 2 and the consensus meeting are scheduled for Spring 2022.

Conclusions:

• The RESOME guidelines have the potential to significantly improve the reporting of social media interventions.
• Standardized reporting will facilitate more accurate assessment of intervention effectiveness.
• Future work will focus on evaluating the practical utility and usefulness of the RESOME guidelines.