Advanced practice nurses in primary care in Switzerland: an analysis of interprofessional collaboration

Background: The increase in the number of chronically ill patients due to ageing is calling existing models of primary care into question. New care models have recently been implemented in Swiss primary care and involve interprofessional teams. This paper aimed to analyze the practice of interprofessional collaboration between advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and medical practice assistants within new models of primary care in Switzerland using the National Interprofessional Competency Framework (NICF). Methods: An ethnographic design comprising semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations was conducted. Sixteen interviews were conducted with care providers at their primary care practice. Interviewees included four advanced practice nurses, two registered nurses, six medical practice assistants, and four general practitioners. Nine other health professionals were subsequently observed in their practice. Interviews and observations were conducted by the first author from February to April 2019. Results: Our analysis confirmed that role clarification, team functioning, collaborative leadership, interprofessional conflict resolution, patient-centered care, and interprofessional communication have a significant influence on the interprofessional collaboration among health professionals in Swiss primary care. Among these domains, role clarification and team functioning were the most frequently raised issues. Both were found to have the potential to negatively influence and, therefore, hinder efficient interprofessional collaboration within primary care. The observation of APNs and MPAs working in practice confirmed these results. Conclusion: From the analysis, it emerged that role clarification is crucial for effective interprofessional collaboration within new care delivery models in the Swiss primary care context. Our study results may inform international health policymakers and practitioners about six important domains of interprofessional care when implementing new care models. Practical experience with new models of care involving advanced practice nurses and medical practice assistants may also influence the regulation of the scope of practice of these health professionals in Switzerland.