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Please find below further information on the application process for Bachelor’s and Master’s theses. If you are interested in writing a Master’s thesis with us, we highly recommend having a look at the «Boost your Master's Thesis in Health Science!».
The official guidelines of the University of St.Gallen apply to final theses. We have developed a clearly structured and transparent scheme for the evaluation of theses. Should you decide to write your thesis at the Chair of Health Economics, Policy and Management, we will be happy to share the evaluation scheme with you at the beginning of the writing process.
Special regulations apply to students of the Joint Medical Master JMM-HSG/UZH.
These are suitable for Bachelor's and Master's theses and can be written in German or English. For each topic, an indication of whether qualitative or quantitative skills are required is given. Generally, applications from all students of management, finance, economics, international affairs, and medicine (Joint Medical Master JMM-HSG/UZH) are welcome. | ||
| Topic | Description | Skills |
Cost-of-Illness Analysis of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Germany: A Health-Economics Focus on Indirect Costs (only Master theses) contact persons: | This thesis aims to estimate the cost of illness of hip (coxarthrosis) and knee (gonarthrosis) osteoarthritis in Germany, with particular emphasis on indirect costs such as productivity losses, days of work incapacity, and other health-economic implications. Using a quantitative approach, the study will (1) identify current prevalence and incidence data for hip and knee osteoarthritis in Germany, (2) determine and quantify key indirect cost components (e.g., sickness benefits, work absenteeism, early retirement, reduced work capacity, informal care), (3) estimate the overall economic burden of these conditions from a societal perspective, (4) compare findings to existing international cost-of-illness studies to contextualise the results, and (5) discuss policy implications for the German healthcare system and labour market, with a focus on measures that could promote earlier diagnosis and appropriate surgical interventions, such as adjustments to clinical guidelines, incentive structures for physicians, and the introduction of routine early check-ups to identify osteoarthritis at a treatable stage. The outcome will provide health-economic evidence to stakeholders and contribute to improved resource allocation and management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in Germany. | Quantitative skills |
Hospital Cost Reporting Across Countries: Categories, Granularity, and Data Transparency contact persons: | Hospitals report financial and cost information in different ways across countries and health-system settings Moreover, access to hospital cost data and the degree of transparency in public reporting vary across and within countries, potentially shaping both accountability and the scope for health-services and policy research. This study will examine how hospitals reporting system(s) classify and disclose hospital costs within selected country or across selected countries. It will compare reported cost categories, assess the granularity and comparability of available information, and investigate institutional and regulatory factors that influence public access to such data. | Qualitative skills |
Enhancing the recruitment and engagement of underrepresented groups in clinical trials/research projects contact persons: | Clinical research often face difficulties in engaging vulnerable populations (e.g., people with chronic diseases, pregnant individuals and individuals assigned as female at birth). This Master’s thesis will investigate the main challenges researchers/recruitment teams face, and explore how awareness of clinical research and its potential benefits can be strengthened among groups that may be less likely to consider participating in clinical trials. The thesis will synthesise existing evidence on strategies to increase awareness, understanding, trust, and interest in clinical research among these populations. Drawing on international evidence and examples from the Swiss studies, the thesis will develop practical recommendations for increasing awareness and informed participation in clinical trials among underrepresented groups. | Qualitative skills |
What Are the Real Procedural Costs of Breast Cancer/Colorectal Surgery/ Prostate cancer/Other Surgery? A Systematic Literature Review of Published Cost Analyses contact persons: | This Master’s thesis will systematically synthesise published evidence on the procedural costs of breast cancer surgery and critically examine the comparability of international expenditure The study will assess whether reported expenditures for similar surgical procedures genuinely reflect differences in resource use or are instead influenced by inconsistent methodological approaches and contextual factors. Based on these findings, the thesis will develop recommendations for improving the transparency and standardisation of international cost comparisons (e.g., checklist), with a particular focus on the relevance and transferability of existing estimates to the Swiss healthcare system. | Qualitative skills and Quantitative skills (e.g., to apply the checklist in Swiss settings and calculate cost components for selected surgery) |
Lean Management in Hospitals: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures and Evidence of Effectiveness contact persons:
| Lean Management has been widely adopted in hospitals to improve process efficiency, yet the evidence on its actual impact remains fragmented, as studies use different measures spanning patient care, staff wellbeing, operational performance, and financial results. This thesis will conduct a systematic literature review (following PRISMA guidelines) to identify which measures are used to evaluate Lean Management interventions in hospital settings, including structure, process, outcome and experience measures. Furthermore, the review will synthesize a standard set of measures for the evaluation of Lean Management in hospitals. The result will be a structured overview of the field's outcome landscape, providing a valuable reference for designing and evaluating future Lean initiatives in health settings | Qualitative skills |
Determinants of Participation in Mammography and Breast Cancer Screening Programmes contact persons: | Mammography is an important tool for the early detection of breast cancer. However, participation in mammography varies considerably across populations and healthcare settings. Understanding the factors that encourage or discourage women from undergoing mammography can provide important insights for improving its uptake. This thesis aims to review the available evidence on the determinants of participation in mammography, including both organized breast cancer screening programs and mammography use outside such programs in general in Switzerland and around the globe. Relevant factors may include individual and socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge and beliefs, accessibility, communication, healthcare provider involvement, as well as organizational and financial aspects. Particular attention should be given to modifiable determinants that could potentially be addressed by healthcare providers, screening organizations, or policymakers. | Qualitative skills |
| The topics are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. If you have a topic suggestion of your own, we look forward to hearing from you. | ||
Health Economics, Policy and Management
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