Using audio recordings to improve communication in dementia care visits

The Role of Visit Audio Recordings in Triadic Dementia Care

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-11076730

This study is looking at how recording conversations during doctor visits can help patients with dementia, their caregivers, and doctors communicate better, so they can make more informed decisions about care together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11076730 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how audio recordings of clinic visits can enhance communication between patients living with dementia, their care partners, and healthcare providers. By analyzing these recordings, the study aims to identify ways to improve interpersonal interactions during medical appointments, which are crucial for effective care management. The project will involve audio recording visits of 200 triads (patient, care partner, clinician) over a year to gather data on communication patterns and their impact on care outcomes. The ultimate goal is to develop an intervention that supports better communication and decision-making in dementia care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, along with their care partners.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with dementia or who are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies that enhance the quality of care for patients with dementia and their families.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of audio recordings in clinical settings is a novel approach in dementia care, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of healthcare communication.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.