Research in Nursing

Research and Development is part of the Institute of Nursing. We are committed to advancing and strengthening clinical and professional nursing care as well as informal care across the lifespan from a nursing science perspective. Practice-relevant research questions and the philosophy of Caring Communities serve as guiding principles. We conduct both national and international projects in close collaboration with professional and interprofessional partners from research and clinical nursing practice.

The search for new, creative, innovative and future-focused solutions to relevant problems in clinical nursing practice is an essential component. We use innovative approaches to develop solutions for healthcare at local, national, and international levels. These approaches also used in projects that advance the professionalization of nursing.

The research team at the Institute of Nursing strengthens clinical nursing practice by conducting applied research in six key areas: Global, Community, Family, Person, Profession and Education.

Our research topic Global explores how local health initiatives intersect with international developments. We analyse how innovative practice approaches and empirical knowledge can contribute to strengthening global health policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We cover a wide range of topics: mental health, health related quality of life and burnout as well as child health, and women's health with a particular focus on challenges related to menstruation and menopause. Our work emphasises health promotion and healthcare delivery in conflict and disaster situations, with the aim of making individuals, communities and health systems more resilient. Moreover, we examine how international strategies are implemented locally, for example to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services and promote equitable health opportunities for all. Our goal: Gain global insights from local solutions – for a fairer, more sustainable health world.

Our research topic Community focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of care models that are tailored to the realities of people in their daily environment. The goal is to achieve an integrated and socially embedded healthcare system based on person-centred approach as well as on proximity, trust and empowerment The focus is on connecting health and social services, and on strengthening both individual and collective health resources. A key approach is Co-Creation, whereby citizens, professionals, and local stakeholders collaborate as equals to develop solutions for better healthcare. This approach fosters social cohesion and the resilience of communities.

Among other things, we investigate how individuals can best be supported in stressful life situations, and how care can be organized most effectively within the neighbourhood. Professional roles, such as those of Advanced Practice Nurses are crucial in supporting this approach. Our projects use qualitative, quantitative, and participatory research methods to address challenges such as loneliness, language barriers, restricted mobility and limited access to public areas.

Our research topic Family examines how illness, accident-related consequences, disabilities, and life-changing events – such as the birth or death of a loved one – affect both the family and its individual members. We also explore how nurses can support families in their daily lives. The aim is to alleviate suffering and strengthen the resilience and well-being of families. 

The term “family” in this context is defined as what people themselves consider it to be — that is the persons who are emotionally close to them, regardless of biological ties or social relationships. A special element of our research is the research conducted in the so-called real-world laboratory. There, nursing experts offer therapeutic conversations for families and individuals under stress (facing difficulties). With consent, these conversations are observed and recorded to gain practice-based insights.

Our research topic Person focuses on person-centred care and support, with particular attention paid to vulnerable population groups, i.e., children and young people, individuals facing age-related limitations, frailty, dementia, and individuals of all ages with rare diseases. Our research addresses complex and palliative situations across inpatient acute and long-term as well as community care settings. A holistic and needs-based approach to the individual is instrumental to our research.

We develop person-centred outcome measures that accurately capture individuals’ symptoms and concerns, outcomes and healthcare needs through innovative research methods. These form the basis for implementing targeted, personalised interventions. On the other hand, we develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based concepts and care approaches in person-centred care for these population groups. The guiding principle of our work is honouring the uniqueness of each individual and their specific life situation.

Our research topic Profession focuses on the further development the academisation and professionalisation of nursing. One focus is on the development of new roles in nursing—especially in the context of Advanced Nursing Practice.Our research aims to strengthen nursing practice through innovative, holistic nursing care and health care service models. 

Additionally, we are addressing the question of how to improve the attractiveness of the nursing profession and increase the retention rates. This includes topics such as a providing a safe and healthy work environment, ensuring adequate nursing staffing levels and delivering an appropriate quality of nursing care. We develop, implement and evaluate targeted interventions to prevent potentially adverse events in both patients and clients, such as delirium, and in nurses, such as emotional exhaustion or sexual harassment.

Our research topic Education focuses on the evaluation of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) and the associated Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) roles. Our research focuses on the development of the necessary advanced clinical skills in students enrolled in the Master of Nursing Science program, which are required for the implementation of ANP and the associated APN role.

Through interprofessional and interdisciplinary research projects on ANP, evidence-based professional and interprofessional concepts, as well as interdisciplinary healthcare, we generate a solid foundation for high-quality and sustainable healthcare.

All research projects and publications of the Institute of Nursing are listed in ZHAW project and publication databases, organized by start date or publication date.

We develop solutions tailored to the needs and problems of our practice partners and clients. For this purpose, we use a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and other tools.

We offer modern infrastructure and a wide range of skills. In addition, we are able to draw on an interdisciplinary network within ZHAW as well as our close ties with international experts in various subject areas. We collaborate with research teams in Occupational Therapy, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Public Health.

The Research and Development team at the Institute of Nursing employs professionals with a doctorate in nursing science as well as research associates and assistants with practical and research experience in Switzerland and abroad.