IGW Institute of Health Sciences
Connecting knowledge – shaping tomorrow's healthcare system
The IHS Institute of Health Sciences works on topics in the fields of nursing and therapy. It comprises competence centres specialized in evidence-based healthcare, dementia, health technologies, oncology & palliative care, mental health, physiotherapy (MOVE-IT), rehabilitation & health promotion.
The institute promotes the transfer of knowledge between science, practice and teaching. It develops innovative solutions for complex health challenges and strengthens interprofessional collaboration to ensure holistic and patient-centred care.
Facts about the institute
Topics
Health sciences (dementia, health technologies, motor-cognitive learning, oncological nursing research & palliative care, mental health, rehabilitation & health promotion)
Location
St. Gallen/Switzerland
Year of foundation
2007
Since January 2026, the IGW is part of the international JBI Collaboration
What sets our institute apart
- Working together for better health
At the IHS, experts in the field of nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology work closely together. Through interprofessional research, teaching and practice projects, we develop sustainable solutions for complex health challenges – in a connected, evidence-based and practice-oriented way. Additionally, we promote dual employment in clinical and academic settings. Thereby, we strengthen the transfer of knowledge between practice, research and teaching. - A human-centred and collaborative approach
People are at the heart of everything we do. We design research in collaboration with patients, professionals and institutions – following the principles of «Person and Public Involvement» (PPI) as well as co-creation. This results in practically applicable and relevant innovations for tomorrow's healthcare. - Competence centres with impact
Our competence centres – covering areas such as dementia, oncology, mental health, rehabilitation & health promotion, palliative care and physiotherapy (MOVE-IT) – address current issues of high social significance. - Innovation for the future
We develop person-centred, creative and interprofessional approaches to actively shape tomorrow's healthcare. Using innovative concepts and new technologies, we create solutions for forward-looking, person-oriented and resilient healthcare.
Events
- Move-IT Symposium 16. Oktober 2026
- Last Call - 31. Oktober 2026 - Palliative Care St.Gallen
- St. Galler Demenz-Kongress 11. November 2026
- EANS Summer Conference 08./09. Juli 2026 / Rückblick
- Mai-Anlass Rückblick 2025
Competence centres
Dementia
The focus is on developing needs-based care services for people with dementia, their caregiving relatives, and nurses. Promoting quality of life in all areas is another central aim, as well as facilitating the transfer of knowledge between practice, research, and society.
OnkOs
With every new therapy and every progress, there are growing challenges in oncological nursing and palliative care. The competence centre focuses on areas that have previously received little attention. It develops care in a targeted and evidence-based manner, working in a team with other professional groups.
Evidence-based healthcare
Evidence-based healthcare combines research, clinical experience and patient needs. The competence centre elaborates evidence syntheses and strengthens professionals by providing rapid access to knowledge and practical support in decision-making.
degree programmes and continuing education
Education:
The institute contributes to teaching in the Bachelor’s programmes of nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, as well as in the Master’s programme in nursing science. It also provides exciting continuing education courses in various fields such as
- dementia care
- palliative care
- mental health
- health promotion and rehabilitation.
Discover further training courses now
What's new: Annual Report 2025
In this report, we present an overview of ongoing and completed projects, doctoral theses, as well as prizes and awards received in the past year. The report provides insights into the diverse activities and achievements of our institute. It highlights our commitment to high-quality healthcare:
- Services
- Doctoral theses
- Publications
- About us
- Partners
Projects IGW
Research project
Promoting hydration in people living with dementia: Development and feasibility testing of a complex intervention
People with dementia are particularly at risk of not drinking enough. The international research project ProHydraDem aims to develop and test a scientifically based intervention to improve their long-term fluid intake. The project involves researchers from OST – University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, the Medical…
Research project
Ageing in the aftermath of adversity: Long-term effects in Swiss survivors of early-life stress and the intergenerational transmission of vulnerability and resilience
Childhood abuse, neglect, and out-of-home placements can shape physical and mental health well into old age. Yet some people develop remarkable resilience in the face of such experiences. This project investigates why people age differently following early-life adversity, and how vulnerability and resilience are transmitted to the…
Research project
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Young People with Dementia and Their Families: Design and Pilot Study.
A dementia diagnosis before the age of 65 affects people in the midst of their lives, which are full of professional, family and social obligations. The psychological strain on those affected and their families is enormous, and appropriate support services are scarce. This project will develop and test a mindfulness-based stress…
Research project
Evaluation of the Klinik Teufen Group Psychiatric Day Clinics
This project evaluates the effectiveness, quality, and cost-efficiency of a multimodal psychiatric day-clinic treatment program offered by Klinik Teufen Group, in Teufen, Rorschach and Zurich. By combining patient outcomes, service evaluation, and financial analysis, the project aims to strengthen evidence-based practice and ensure…
Research project
ChronCare: Entwicklung eines Unterstützungskonzeptes für Schulen im Umgang mit chronischen Erkrankungen bei Kindern
ChronCare unterstützt Schulen im sicheren und kompetenten Umgang mit Kindern, die eine chronische Erkrankung haben. Ziel ist es, Gesundheitskompetenz von Lehrpersonen zu stärken und eine inklusive, gesundheitsfördernde Schulkultur zu fördern.
Research project
EVOLVE: Exergames in vocational training to promote the mental health and vigour of adolescents
Exergaming integrates physical activity with interactive gaming using motion-sensing technology. With benefits beyond entertainment, it serves as a promising approach to enhancing both physical fitness and mental well-being. This project aims to develop a tailored exergame to promote physical activity and mental health among Swiss…
Research project
GRIPed - Development and Pilot Testing of a Educational Concept for Aggressive Behavior Prevention and Aggression Management in Nursing Homes
Aggressive behavior in nursing homes is more widespread than is often assumed, affecting both residents and caregivers alike. As the previous GRIP project demonstrated, existing training programes are not effective. The GRIPed project is therefore developing and testing a new educational concept for preventing and managing…
Research project
Non-pharmaceutical interventions for persons living with young-onset or frontotemporal dementia and their caregivers: a systematic review
Im Rahmen des Projekts PortoFaro wird ein Konzept zur Begleitung und Unterstützung von jungen Personen mit Demenz und ihren Familien entwickelt, während zugleich in Zusammenarbeit mit lokalen Organisationen präventiv wirksame Angebote für Betroffene und Familien ausgebaut und eine nachhaltige Finanzierung sichergestellt werden.
…Research project
PortoFaro – A Safe Haven for Young People with Dementia: Subprojects at the Dementia Competence Center
A dementia diagnosis before the age of 65 affects people during a phase of life filled with responsibilities—at work, within the family, and in their social circles. The challenges they face differ from those encountered in old age. Care services are rarely tailored to their specific life circumstances. The PortoFaro project aims…
Research project
Educational interventions for improving health-related literature searching skills: a Cochrane methodology review
Cochrane Review zur Wirksamkeit von edukativen Massnahmen zur Verbesserung von Literaturrecherchefähigkeiten
Research project
Ranked indirect versus unranked direct citation searching for evidence retrieval: development and evaluation of a new online tool
Entwicklung und Evaluation eines webbasierten Tools zur Durchführung von indirekten und direkten Zitationssuchen.
Research project
Exploring experiences of times without care and encounters in dementia: a living and adaptive evidence map
Die FreiZeit-Studie zielt darauf ab, betreuungs- und begegnungsfreie Zeiträume aus der Perspektive von Personen mit Demenz und formell und informell Pflegenden zu rekonstruieren. Das spezifische Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, einen laufend aktualisierten Überblick über die aktuelle Evidenz zu geben, der als Leitfaden für die…