Evaluating the validity, reliability and clinical utility of the Music therapy Sensory Instrument for Cognition, Consciousness and Awareness (MuSICCA): protocol of a validation study.INTRODUCTION
 The proposed project will develop and validate a diagnostic measure that supports detailed goal-planning-the Music therapy Sensory Instrument for Cognition, Consciousness and Awareness (MuSICCA).


 Face validity will be assessed using a short questionnaire and the MuSICCA will be amended if face validity is insufficient.  In addition to these analyses, the clinical utility of the MuSICCA will be evaluated using a questionnaire to be completed by clinicians and relatives of the participants following the completion of the MuSICCA assessment.



MuSICCA
Once face validity is sufficient, 80 participants with suspected DOC will be recruited from multiple sites around the UK, USA and Ireland.Validity will be assessed using external reference standards (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Coma Near-Coma Scale and Nociception Coma Scale). 
Coma Recovery Scale-Revised
Once face validity is sufficient, 80 participants with suspected DOC will be recruited from multiple sites around the UK, USA and Ireland.Validity will be assessed using external reference standards (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Coma Near-Coma Scale and Nociception Coma Scale). 
Coma Near-Coma Scale
Once face validity is sufficient, 80 participants with suspected DOC will be recruited from multiple sites around the UK, USA and Ireland.Validity will be assessed using external reference standards (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Coma Near-Coma Scale and Nociception Coma Scale). 
Nociception Coma Scale