Heidelberg University

Overview

The PhD programme in People with Dementia in Acute-Care Hospitals at Heidelberg University is designed to enhance the quality of care for individuals with dementia through interdisciplinary research. This three-year programme empowers students to develop and test patient-centred approaches that improve the overall quality of life for patients during and after their hospital stays.

What you'll study

The doctoral training is research-oriented, offering structured academic support and targeted seminars that align with the thematic areas of the programme. Students will engage in various research topics, including:

• Ageism, Communication, and Field Research — Investigating how attitudes and communication practices impact care experiences and outcomes.
• Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise — Creating and assessing exercise interventions tailored to different patient demographics.
• New Technologies and Dementia/Day Centres — Examining technology-supported models of care for individuals with cognitive disorders.
• Epidemiology and Screening — Evaluating the reliability of screening tests and methodological approaches in research design and analysis.
• Architecture of Dementia-Sensitive Hospitals — Analyzing environmental factors that influence patient orientation, safety, and care delivery.
• Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Delirium Detection — Enhancing decision-making processes and improving delirium recognition in acute care settings.
• Care Pathways in Acute-Care Hospitals — Developing clinical processes that support individuals with dementia during hospitalization and facilitate smoother transitions post-discharge.

Each candidate is required to complete an original research project, culminating in a PhD dissertation that is patient-centred and reflects the programme's research themes.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a master’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record, typically demonstrating at least four years of university-level study. GRE/GMAT scores are not required for this programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in healthcare, research, and academia, focusing on improving the care and support provided to individuals with dementia in acute-care settings. The skills and knowledge gained will prepare them to advocate for better practices and contribute to advancements in dementia care.