biostudies-literatureShin JWNational Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNational Institute of Nursing ResearchSigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of NursingNINR NIH HHSNational Institutes of Health14-22https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11846697biostudies-literatureUnknown70<h4>Background</h4>Family caregivers of ICU patients experience difficulty communicating with patients during mechanical ventilation. Little is known about patient-family communication in the ICU and the associated emotional distress.<h4>Objectives</h4>To examine the preliminary effects of the VidaTalk™ communication app on anxiety, depression, and PTSD-related symptoms among family caregivers.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a prospective study using repeated measures to compare VidaTalk™ to an attention control condition. Twenty-eight family caregivers of nonvocal adult ICU patients participated in this study. The intervention group received VidaTalk™, whereas the attention control group received a standard tablet loaded with MyChart Bedside (EPIC) and game apps during the patient's mechanicHeart & lung : the journal of critical carePreliminary efficacy of the vidatalk^TM communication application on family psychological symptoms in the intensive care unit: A pilot study.PMC118466975R42 NR014087R42 NR014087Dabelko-Schoeny HShin JWHapp MBTate JBalas MTan AfalsePreliminary efficacy of the vidatalk^TM communication application on family psychological symptoms in the intensive care unit: A pilot study.<h4>Background</h4>Family caregivers of ICU patients experience difficulty communicating with patients during mechanical ventilation. Little is known about patient-family communication in the ICU and the associated emotional distress.<h4>Objectives</h4>To examine the preliminary effects of the VidaTalk™ communication app on anxiety, depression, and PTSD-related symptoms among family caregivers.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a prospective study using repeated measures to compare VidaTalk™ to an attention control condition. Twenty-eight family caregivers of nonvocal adult ICU patients participated in this study. The intervention group received VidaTalk™, whereas the attention control group received a standard tablet loaded with MyChart Bedside (EPIC) and game apps during the patient's mechanic2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Mar-Apr2026-07-16T23:38:31.747Z2026-07-12T03:11:38.857ZS-EPMC118466973954695810.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.11.001