Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Asthma Detection Research Based on Voice Signal Processing and Machine Learning
Published on: July 22, 2025
Analysing voice quality and pitch in interactions of emergency care simulation
Frank Coffey1, Keiko Tsuchiya2, Stephen Timmons3
1Department of Research and Education in Emergency Medicine, Acute Medicine and Major Trauma, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
Background/Aims:
In emergency care, healthcare professionals (HCPs) interact with both a patient and their colleagues at the same time. How HCPs regulate the two distinct interactions is our central interest. Focusing on HCPs' use of their voice quality and pitch, a multimodal analysis of the interaction in a simulation training session was conducted. Our aims are (1) to compare the use of HCPs' voice quality and pitch in HCP-patient and HCP-HCP interactions, (2) to examine how different voice quality and pitch function in interaction, and (3) to develop the research methodology so as to integrate multimodal features in emergency care interaction for analysis.
Methods:
Three HCPs performed a scripted acute care scenario (chest pain) at the simulation centre. The multimodal corpus-based approach was applied to analyse the varying voice pitch and quality of the HCPs, in interactions with a simulated patient (SP) and with two other HCPs, in emergency care training.
Results:
The HCPs tended to use a clear voice when they talk to an SP and a 'shattered' voice to colleagues in the team. The pitch was raised to talk to an SP, by Helen (a nurse) and Mike (a doctor).
Conclusion:
This indicates that the HCPs strategically change their voice quality and pitch according to the addressees, regulating the interaction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:

