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May 22, 2026Open Access

Collaborative Codesign of “Singing-it-Safe”: A Pilot Vocal Health Education Program for Tertiary Singers Using the Delphi Method

Key Points

The aim is to create an effective vocal health education program for tertiary singers through expert consensus.
Conducted two national e-Delphi rounds with voice experts including tertiary singing students and voice teachers.
Participants voted and rank-ordered relevant topics based on iterative interviews.
An expert panel refined the program outline based on consensus feedback.
Round 1 achieved 80% consensus on 32 out of 47 topics (n=31).
Top three topics were rank-ordered by participants (n=25) in Round 2.
An advisory panel confirmed the proposed program structure.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Singing students' vocal health should be the joint duty of students, voice teachers, conservatoria and health professionals. The risk of vocal injury peaks during the tertiary years as students spend more time practicing and performing. Singing students need the knowledge and skills to assess and question the relevance of health-related information to optimize their vocal health. Engaging experts in the codesign of an education program through achieving consensus of key priorities to be included presents a challenge, however, the Delphi method allows for a consensus-driven approach to health program design, prioritizing the expectations of experts on relevant content for an evidence-based program. AIM: This study aims to develop the pedagogical framework for "Singing-it-Safe," a vocal health education program for tertiary singers in Australia through consensus by an expert voice panel. METHOD: Voice experts (tertiary singing students, voice teachers, and speech pathologists), participated in two national e-Delphi rounds. Topics were based on themes that emerged from iterative, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. In Round 1, participants voted on topics they felt were relevant to include in the program. In Round 2, experts rank ordered remaining topics in order of priority. An expert panel then provided feedback through interviews, on the program outline incorporating topics that reached consensus. RESULTS: Round 1 of the e-Delphi resulted in 80% consensus on 32/47 topics (n=31). Topics were categorized under; Anatomy and physiology, general health, lifestyle factors affecting the voice, singing behaviors, health literacy, mind and body, organizational culture, and delivery model. In Round 2, participants (n=25) rank-ordered the top three topics in each category. An expert advisory panel reviewed and agreed on proposed program structure. CONCLUSION: This study has resulted in a tailored, consensus-based education program for tertiary singers. Incorporating the expertise of vocal experts, ensured that content supports authentic learning of singing students.

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