Phase II Trial of VoiceLove App to Reduce Postpartum Depression in Mothers of NICU Infants A Randomized Study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the use of the VoiceLove app to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression whose infants are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU. It is a Phase II randomized controlled trial aiming to evaluate the apps preliminary effect on postpartum depression, measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS. The study also explores communication patterns among mothers, partners, and NICU clinicians, as well as infant length of stay. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives access to the VoiceLove mobile app alongside standard care and surveys. The app enables secure, real-time communication between families and NICU patients and includes curated digital content to facilitate parent-infant interaction. The other group receives standard care without app access and completes surveys. The study includes follow-ups at 2 and 6 weeks post-randomization, and infant NICU stay is monitored up to six months. Mothers participate by using the app if assigned, completing surveys, and engaging in qualitative interviews. Researchers assess maternal depression using the EPDS at 2 and 6 weeks, app engagement, anxiety, self-efficacy, social support, PTSD symptoms, and infant outcomes such as NICU length of stay and birth weight. Satisfaction with the app is also measured. This study spans from initial enrollment through postpartum weeks and infant NICU discharge, with data collection at scheduled intervals.

NICU Utilization of Remote Voice Technology to Improve mateRnal Experience (NURTURE)