Advanced Midwifery Practice in Switzerland: Development and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Public Health

Background:

• Global shifts in epidemiology, socio-economics, and technology increase midwifery complexity.
• Workforce shortages and demands for cost-effective, high-quality care necessitate new models.
• International trends show the rise of Advanced Midwifery Practice (AMP) roles.

Observation:

• Switzerland lags in adopting AMP roles compared to the UK and Ireland.
• A lack of regulatory frameworks hinders the development of Advanced Practice Midwife (APM) roles in Switzerland.
• Existing pioneering APM roles highlight the need for broader integration.

Findings:

• Establishing distinct career trajectories for postgraduate midwives, especially APMs, is essential.
• Legal standards for education, clinical prerequisites, and competency guidelines are required.
• Compensation schemes must reflect the autonomy and leadership of APM roles.

Implications:

• Developing APM roles can enhance and sustain high-quality perinatal care in Switzerland.
• Formalizing APM roles can mitigate premature workforce attrition and optimize midwifery utilization.
• Research and evaluation of AMP are vital for improving patient outcomes and professionalization.