Pre- and post-care via app
Luana Schmid and Michael Zuberbühler use their app to support patients after joint surgery and win second place in the DMEA sparks Award – now they are putting the app into practice.
Luana Schmid and Michael Zuberbühler won second place in the “Bachelor Theses” category of the DMEA sparks Award. Photo: Messe Berlin
More guidance, less uncertainty: How can an app better support patients with a new hip or knee joint during the period before and after surgery? This question was the focus of the final thesis by Luana Schmid and Michael Zuberbühler from Bern University of Applied Sciences – and earned them the second place in the “Bachelor's Theses” category of the DMEA sparks Award.
Their solution: a user-friendly app that is tailored to the individual healing process and can provide targeted information and exercises.
“We have developed an app for the physiotherapy department at Solothurner Spitäler AG that supports patients with a new hip or knee joint.” The personalized rehabilitation plan is based on a standardized questionnaire and is created in consultation with the treating specialist. The app then provides customized recommendations for patients. The goal: to reduce uncertainty, strengthen self-efficacy, and promote recovery.
From university into practice
The idea is not just a prototype: “Together with a software company, the app will be further developed over the next few months so that it can then be used in practice.”
This is a prime example of how practice-oriented theses can bring real benefits to the healthcare sector.
Both came to digital healthcare through their studies – and stayed. “At the information event for the medical informatics program, we saw how much potential exists in this field – and how much we can still help shape it.” Today, Luana continues to work in medical informatics and is completing a master's degree in biomedical engineering. Michael now works full-time as a data engineer. The prize money from the DMEA sparks Award was literally invested in new perspectives: Michael is planning a trip to Asia lasting several weeks in the fall, so the extra vacation money is always welcome, and Luana has also put it toward her travel budget.
A tip for anyone who's hesitating
For students who are thinking about applying for the DMEA sparks Award 2026, the two of them have some simple but powerful advice:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” If that's not a clear invitation to apply for the DMEA sparks Award 2026 in the fall, we don't know what is.
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