NICU Utilization of Remote Voice Technology to Improve mateRnal Experience (NURTURE): A Randomized Controlled Trial
The study's objective is to conduct a Phase II randomized controlled trial examining the preliminary efficacy of the VoiceLove app compared to usual care on maternal postpartum depression in mothers with infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Primary aim: Assess the effects of VoiceLove on maternal postpartum depression, measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The estimates from this study will be used for a future definitive Phase III trial. Secondary aim: Assess feasibility, acceptability, and patterns of communication and engagement among mothers, partners, and NICU clinicians during the NICU hospitalization, measured through app usage metrics, satisfaction surveys, and qualitative interviews. Additionally, we will evaluate effects of infant length of stay.
• Infant:
‣ Admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
⁃ Born at VUMC
⁃ Index admission (NOT a re-admission)
⁃ Born between 23+0 and 31+6 weeks
⁃ Expected to survive at least 2 weeks
⁃ Singleton gestation
• Mother:
‣ Age ≥ 18 years old
⁃ English speaking
⁃ Mother is the biological mother of the infant admitted to the NICU
⁃ Postpartum day 4 or less
• Partner (NOTE: Partner enrollment is not required)
‣ Mother agrees to partner's participation
⁃ Designated by mother as support person with infant access