Revue medicale suisse最新文献

It is recognized that integrating the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) into new care models can positively impact patient outcomes and the healthcare system. The Canton of Vaud is currently in the initial phase of developing this role. The University Hospital of Lausanne currently employs 15 NPs across various clinical departments, and several initiatives to further develop NP roles are in progress. The rigorous academic training of NPs, their valuable partnerships with physicians, and their long-term presence in the clinical specialties where they practice establish them as reliable and highly skilled professionals for patients, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Like the rest of Europe, the Swiss healthcare system is facing major challenges. Demand for healthcare services is increasing due to an ageing population, chronic diseases and digital needs, while supply suffers from a shortage of professionals. To meet these challenges, the healthcare system must integrate innovative and interprofessional care models. The coherence of this development requires the collaboration of all stakeholders in the healthcare system. The role of clinical nurse specialists as agents of change and their knowledge of the health care system make them key stakeholders. In this context, it is essential that they maintain a holistic view of the healthcare system, focusing on quality of care and patient safety.

The growth and continuing evolution of care needs, linked in particular to the aging of the population and the increase in chronic illnesses, have prompted the Canton of Vaud to promote innovative care models and new professional profiles, including recognition of the role of nurse practitioner (NP). Unisanté is actively involved in promoting and integrating this new role, with the support of the canton. A postgraduate training program for primary care NPs is currently being developed, and the opening of an innovative health center has made it possible to establish this role in the primary care medical practice. This account of our experience highlights the many challenges faced by the various partners during the first ten months of operation.

Switzerland is facing a growing demand for primary care services. Nurse practitioners (NP) could play a key role in addressing the current challenges in the healthcare system by participating in new models of care. International studies support this approach, showing that nurse practitioners improve access to care, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, the implementation of nurse practitioners is still emerging and raises political, legislative and economic challenges. Despite these hurdles, ongoing pilot projects and evaluations of NPs' impact will help inform patients, professionals, policymakers, and funders about the added value and complementarity of NPs' role within the current healthcare system.

The major challenges facing our healthcare system foster the emergence of new inter-professional roles such as the Specialized Nurse Practitioner. These professionals, recognized by a legal framework, hold advanced practice medical and nursing skills obtained after a 120-credit Master's-level university training. In 2018, the Emergency Department (ED) of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois was one of the first departments in Switzerland to implement such a role. Three years on, their clinical expertise and the developments in research, training and clinical projects make these professionals major assets in meeting the complex needs of patients and ED teams.