An app to improve communication and family engagement for critically ill patients with delirium
Official title: VoiceLove: An App-Based COMmunication Tool Designed to Address DeliriUm and Improve Family ENgagement and PatIent/Family SatisfaCtion in CriticAlly Ill PaTiEnts (COMMUNICATE)
Funded at Voicelove LLC · NIH-11222806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new app called VoiceLove that helps families communicate better with healthcare providers about loved ones in the ICU, especially those with Alzheimer's and related dementias, to reduce confusion and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Voicelove LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scarsdale, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,306,077 |
| NIH project number | 4R42AG080891-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients aged 21 and older who are experiencing or at risk for delirium, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not critically ill or do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an app-based communication tool called VoiceLove, aimed at addressing delirium in critically ill patients and enhancing family engagement. The app will facilitate better communication between healthcare providers and families, helping to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. By utilizing evidence-based interventions from the ABCDEF Bundle, the research seeks to reduce the prevalence of ICU delirium and its associated complications. Patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will be a primary focus, as they are particularly vulnerable to delirium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for critically ill patients experiencing delirium.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that family engagement strategies can effectively reduce ICU delirium, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Voicelove LLC
Scarsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ely, E Wesley — Voicelove LLC
- Study coordinator: Ely, E Wesley
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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VoiceLove: A patient-facing app to reduce ICU delirium and boost family engagement for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.