The new role of nurse practitioner in family practices in Switzerland

Schlunegger, Margarithe Charlotte (August 2022). The new role of nurse practitioner in family practices in Switzerland In: 12th ICN NP/APN Network Conference 2022. Dublin. 21.-24. August 2022.

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Background: Due to rising numbers of chronic diseases, multimorbidity and increased shortage of health professionals, adaptation of primary health care is essential. New models of care, which focus on patient needs and thus ensure comprehensive care for chronically ill people, can be a way forward. The implementation of nurse practitioners in Swiss family practices is one such model, which holds great potential. Purpose: In this study, we investigated the contribution of nurse practitioners in the interprofessional context in two family practices in Switzerland. Methods: We conducted a multiple case study design. Two nurse practitioners working in Swiss family practices. The family practices were located in rural and mountainous regions. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed. For the within-case analyses, data were summarized inductively, thereby creating case narratives. Results: In both cases the nurse practitioners contribute to patient self-management, to prevention, and health promotion in complex, stable, and unstable patients. To date, these areas have not been adequately addressed by other health professionals in family practices. On home visits, nurse practitioners strengthen the connection between patients, relatives, the family practice, and home care services. They facilitate transparent communication and better coordination. As nurse practitioners gain experience, their self-confidence increases. Similarly, the confidence of the family doctors grows. Accordingly, the level of autonomy is changing and can grow during a working relationship. Nurse practitioners are not designated providers in the current Swiss health system. Therefore, legal bases and adequate reimbursement are lacking. Conclusion: The contribution of nurse practitioners in Swiss family practices seems important. However, competencies need to be clarified and a generic job description developed, to promote the implementation of nurse practitioners in Swiss family practices. Significance (Impact and Reach): This study provides first insights into the role implementation of nurse practitioners in Switzerland

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Nursing School of Health Professions > Nursing > Innovation in the Field of Health Care and Human Resources Development
Name:	Schlunegger, Margarithe Charlotte0000-0002-5410-4951; Inniger, Melanie; Palm, Rebecca and Zumstein-Shaha, Maya0000-0003-4253-3123
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Language:	English
Submitter:	Margarithe Charlotte Schlunegger
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2022 09:25
Last Modified:	10 May 2023 10:31
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.17826
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/17826