Updates committees and office

Board

Further development within the board

In line with modern and future-oriented management principles, the VfP/APSI Executive Board is restructuring its working methods. The aim is to distribute responsibilities within the Board in a targeted manner in order to be able to cover the association's diverse topics even more professionally and effectively.

We are currently in the process of clarifying and assigning thematic responsibilities. We will provide information on the specific restructuring and the respective areas of responsibility in good time.

We are convinced that this further development is an important step towards strengthening the strategic direction of the association, promoting cooperation within the Board of Directors and revitalizing our activities in the long term.

VfP/APSI representatives in our partner organizations

Appointment of Dr. Carola Maurer as VfP/APSI representative on the swissprevent board

At your last Board meeting, we appointed Carola Maurer as our new representative on the swissprevent Board. With her extensive expertise in nursing science and her proven leadership experience (see People | OST), Carola Maurer will make a valuable contribution to the further development of swissprevent.

With this appointment, the VfP/APSI aims to strengthen and deepen the professional exchange and cooperation with swissprevent in the interests of evidence-based prevention and healthcare practice in Switzerland. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership. We would like to thank Carola for her support.

Dr. Caroline Gurtner represents the VfP on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Patient Safety Foundation

We are delighted that Caroline Gurtner has agreed to represent the VfP on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Patient Safety Foundation (see Patient safety Switzerland - Patient safety). Caroline Gurtner combines a solid academic education with extensive practical experience in various areas of healthcare. Her research focuses on quality and quality development in healthcare, with an active commitment to service user participation. Caroline Gurtner is Co-President of the Professional Association for Psychiatric Nursing at the VfP. With her expertise and commitment, she will represent the association competently and with integrity.

AS

Acute Care

Partner / network events in connection with AFG Acute Care activities:

Several VfP-APSI members are taking part in the 7th Orthogeriatrics Conference on "Complex Geriatric Trauma", which will be held at Zurich University Hospital on September 17, 2025.

You are cordially invited to participate in interprofessional and interdisciplinary discussions on the care of older people with falls and resulting fractures, the recognition of geriatric syndromes (delirium, sarcopenia and more), evidence from rehabilitation and fall prevention as part of the Fracture Liaison Service.

This training day for networking and knowledge exchange is registered in the e-Log and awarded 5 SBK-ASI points.
To the event
To the registration

Office

Delays in member billing - we ask for your patience

We are very pleased that we keep receiving emails asking: "When can I finally pay my membership invoice?" - and we would really like to give you an exact date. Unfortunately, we still have to put you off.

Despite weekly exchanges with PostFinance, the technical changeover is proving more difficult than expected: either we receive incomplete or incorrect documents - or they don't arrive at all. As a result, we are currently unable to reliably reconcile which contributions have already been paid and which invoices still need to be sent.

We are working flat out and are confident that the situation will soon be resolved - possibly also through a switch from PostFinance to Raiffeisen, which we are currently examining.

Until then, we thank you for your patience and understanding - and look forward to your continued commitment and support.

Calls and announcements

New definitions for care and care specialist

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has unveiled a new, comprehensive definition of nursing and nurses that establishes the profession's binding scope, identity and contribution to global health. The new definition is a declaration - a global compass that restores and renews the essence and potential of nursing. Based on professional knowledge, ethical standards and interpersonal relationships, it affirms nursing as a science-based, human-centered and socially just profession. This new definition is the result of a year-long global initiative, led by a group of experts and supported by a Delphi group of distinguished nursing professionals from all ICN regions, to ensure inclusivity and cultural resonance across diverse health systems and communities. It reflects a truly global consensus.

The documents are available in English, French and Spanish at https://www.icn.ch/resources/publications-and-reports/renewing-definitions-nursing-and-nurse can be downloaded.

Policy Brief on Health and Social Care

The Swiss Forum for Integrated Care (fmc), together with the Careum Foundation, has produced a new policy brief that addresses the key question of how healthcare and social systems can be better integrated.

Health is the result of a combination of different influences—in addition to physical aspects, social factors such as financial difficulties, family stress, and unemployment also play a role. At the same time, chronic illnesses or multiple diagnoses can significantly impair the social environment of those affected. Further information 

Digital platform for palliative care: project being implemented

palliative aargau is developing an AI-supported platform for palliative care professionals under the title "PCidR". A beta version will follow by June 2025, with a roadshow planned for the fall. Public use is planned from 2026. Three project managers will coordinate the implementation. Professionals can actively participate in the further development: www.palliative-aargau.ch.

Founding of "alliance care" - Statement by the VfP-APSI

At the Assembly of Delegates on 18 June 2025, the SBK founded the new umbrella organization "alliance care" together with other organizations. The SBK is currently looking for partner organizations for this new alliance.

The Association for Nursing Science VfP-APSI is not a partner association of "alliance care" and remains - as before - a collective member of SBK-ASI.

The Board of the VfP-APSI is in regular contact with the SBK and other players in professional and specialist policy. Developments relating to "alliance care" are followed closely and included in ongoing discussions with the (co-)presidents of the Alliance of Academic Healthcare Societies (AFG).

European Academy of Nursing Science

We would like to remind you of the important activities of EANS. You can find them under Events | European Academy for Nursing Science

Publications and summaries of national conferences

 
BePersonalP: Needs-based staffing in care for Switzerland 

The new Article 117b of the Federal Constitution requires that sufficient and high-quality care is accessible to all and that nursing staff have attractive working conditions. This requires new models for determining appropriate staffing requirements.

Together with the Swiss Professional Association for Nurses and Swiss Nurse Leaders, have developed a model process for developing a data- and consensus-based methodology for recommendations on needs-based staffing levels. This document uses the example of nursing care in acute care hospitals to illustrate how existing data can be used to make informed recommendations on staffing levels. ​To the document
To the publications of the VFP-APSI

6. APN Symposium in Bern

The 6th APN Symposium on May 19, 2025 in Bern was dedicated to the pioneering role of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and the question of how they can increase efficiency and effectiveness in the healthcare system through targeted and systematic approaches. Practice-oriented workshops, lectures and poster presentations provided valuable insights for everyday professional life and encouraged an inspiring exchange with experts.
Information about the symposium

Events