Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40657648›Full record

ReviewFrontiers in digital health2025

Master protocols in vocal biomarker development to reduce variability and advance clinical precision: a narrative review.

Ayush Kalia, Micah Boyer, Guy Fagherazzi, Jean-Christophe Bélisle-Pipon, Yael Bensoussan

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in digital health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ayush KaliaUSF Health Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
Micah BoyerUSF Health Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
Guy FagherazziDeep Digital Phenotyping Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg.
Jean-Christophe Bélisle-PiponDepartment of Bio-ethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Yael BensoussanUSF Health Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Vocal biomarkers, defined as acoustic or linguistic features extracted from voice samples, are an emerging innovation in medical diagnostics. Utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, or traditional acoustic analysis, vocal biomarkers have shown promise in detecting and monitoring conditions such as respiratory disorders and cognitive impairments. Despite their potential, the lack of standardized protocols for data collection and analysis has limited their clinical applicability. Objectives: This review assesses the current state of research on developing a master protocol for vocal biomarkers, identifying key aspects essential for reducing variability across studies. It also explores insights from digital biomarker research to inform the creation of a standardized framework for vocal biomarker development. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed for literature on vocal and digital biomarker development. Articles were evaluated based on their proposed frameworks and recommendations for addressing methodological inconsistencies. Results: Twenty-one relevant articles were identified, including 12 focused on vocal biomarkers and 9 addressing broader digital biomarkers. Vocal biomarker literature emphasized the lack of existing master protocols and the need for standardization. In contrast, digital biomarker research from organizations like the Digital Medicine Society offered structured frameworks applicable to voice research. Conclusion: There is currently no established master protocol for vocal biomarker development. This review highlights foundational elements necessary for future standardization efforts to support the clinical integration of vocal biomarkers in healthcare.

Indexed as

biomarkersdigital biomarkersmaster protocolspeech biomarkersvocal biomarkersvoicevoice AI

Identifiers

PMID40657648
PMCPMC12247298

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.