A Master thesis topic is available at the Centre for Digital Health Interventions!

What this thesis is about

Family caregivers of stroke survivors carry a substantial burden after hospital discharge. Caregiver burden is a well-established predictor of both caregiver burnout and poorer patient outcomes, yet it is rarely monitored in a systematic or proactive way. This thesis is embedded in an innovative digital health project at Valico, which is developing an AI-powered conversational agents for post-stroke care navigation.

What we’re aiming for

The aim of this thesis is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signal quality of an AI-based voice system for family caregivers of stroke survivors in Switzerland. Results of this thesis will directly inform product development and the design of future large-scale interventional studies

What you will do

1. Develop advanced skills in systematic literature search and evidence synthesis

2. Explore and organise a rapidly evolving landscape of DHTs

3. Build a structured taxonomy of technologies and identify key innovation gaps

4. Translate your findings into insights relevant for real-world healthcare apps.

Who will participate

You will work in collaboration with Valico AG, a Swiss digital health startup developing advanced AI-tools for stroke care. This provides a unique opportunity to connect academic research with real-world innovation in a highly dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

What you will gain

1. Experience with pilot studies and feasibility assessment in digital health

2. Exposure to AI-driven healthcare applications (conversational agents)

3. Skills in mixed-methods research (quantitative + qualitative analysis)

4. Insight into real-world innovation and startup–academic collaboration

5. A strong foundation for careers in digital health, clinical research, or health innovation

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a motivated Master’s student with an interest in digital health, neurological rehabilitation, or caregiving. Experience with literature reviews is helpful but not required. Enrolment in a relevant Master’s programme (e.g. nursing science, health sciences, health technology, or a related field) is required.

Start: As soon as possible / by arrangement

Duration: 6 months (or to be discussed)

Supervision: Prof. Dr. Marcia Nißen (CDHI), Dr. med. Eugenio Abela (Valico AG, clinical lead)