[Strengthening primary care in Switzerland: the contribution of nurse practitioners]

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.