Evaluation of Speech and Voice Biomarkers in Association With Burnout

Evaluation of Speech and Voice Biomarkers in Association With Burnout

This project aims to explore how speech patterns and voice characteristics can be used to detect signs of burnout and stress in physicians.

Aim 1: To determine the association amongst acoustic features, derived from speech and voice samples, and burnout and mental stress measured using questionnaires in healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other clinical staff) at the Minneapolis Heart Institute.

Aim 2: To compare the effects of the CalmiGo stress management device on acoustic features, derived from voice samples, and burnout and mental stress assessed using questionnaires in healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other clinical staff) with burnout (Mini-Z 2.0 single item burnout score 3, 4 or 5 on 5 choice item, question 2) against no specific guidance.

Aim 1 Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult individuals (18 years-old or older)
2. Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other clinical staff) at the Minneapolis Heart Institute
3. Ability to use the CalmiGo device for 12-weeks
4. Willingness to complete study questionnaires, have speech and voice samples recorded and analyzed at the beginning of the study.

AIM 2 Inclusion criteria

1. Adult individuals (18 years-old or older)
2. Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other clinical staff) with burnout (Mini-Z 2.0 single item burnout score 3, 4 or 5 on 5 choice item, question 2).
3. Ability to use the CalmiGo device for 12-weeks
4. Willingness to complete study questionnaires, have speech and voice samples recorded and analyzed at the beginning and end of the study.

AIM 1 and 2Exclusion Criteria:

1. English is not their preferred language

2. Current or known history of a voice or speech disorder

   1. Current or history of laryngeal malignancy
   2. History of laryngeal surgery
   3. Known diagnosis of a voice disorder: Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyp, or Cyst; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Dysphonia
   4. Laryngitis
   5. Dyslexia
   6. Muscle Tension
   7. Aphasia
   8. Stuttering
   9. Dysarthria
   10. Essential Tremor
   11. Neurodegenerative conditions (Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, MSA, Dementia)
   12. Severe psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.)