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Nursing Science Research

„In close cooperation with health care institutions, we develop research projects that answer questions related to everyday nursing care. With our clinical research, we contribute to the professionalisation of nursing practice.“„In close cooperation with health care institutions, we develop research projects that answer questions related to everyday nursing care. With our clinical research, we contribute to the professionalisation of nursing practice.“

Prof. Maria Schubert and Prof. André Fringer, Co-Heads of the Nursing Science Research Unit and the MSc in Nursing Programme

The Institute of Nursing research team promotes clinical nursing practice through applied research and development projects. The focus is on optimizing nursing care in care homes, hospitals, and the community.

Research Areas

Nursing science research activities focus on the topics of quality and safety of care, solutions and models of care at any age, including family system care, end-of-life and palliative care, and the use of digital technologies and aids. Another area is educational research with a focus on the further development of the nursing profession and professional identity. In addition, our researchers are committed to innovative developments, consulting, and training for practitioners.

Quality and Safety of Care

The focus of this research area is on research and practice development projects to improve the quality and safety of care in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in family-based informal care. Quality and safety of care are supported and promoted through the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based concepts, complex interventions, and support services.

Another focus area is the research on structural and process factors such as the quality of the working environment and available nursing resources with effects on outcomes for patients, residents, and carers, on the one hand, and the quality and safety of care, on the other.

Solutions and Models of Care

Projects in this focus area explore models and solutions of inpatient and outpatient care for patients of all ages, as well as the care process, including the associated interfaces and transitions. The focus is also on new, innovative professional and interprofessional care and support services to improve the lives of chronically ill people of all ages and their families at home and to support them in leading a worthwhile life on a daily basis, for example, by improving their health skills or implementing family-centred concepts.

Further research is aimed at developing, implementing, and testing care and support services for people in palliative care or end-of-life care situations. This also includes the use of digital technologies and supportive devices such as apps, sensors, wireless systems, social robots, and care robots to support patients, family members, and caregivers.

Educational and Professional Research

Research projects in this focus area examine the professional and intercultural development of advanced nursing skills in study programmes and professional life. Further research topics are the development of the nursing profession, professional identity, new professional roles in integrated care, and the public discourse on nursing.

Other projects focus on the implementation of new educational technologies such as simulations, e-learning, and the evaluation of their benefits in terms of competence acquisition.

What We Offer

We advise, guide, and support practice partners, clients, and institutions.

  • Research projects in institutions
  • Development, implementation, and evaluation of care and service solutions
  • Monitoring and evaluation of quality development projects
  • Development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based concepts and action-guiding documents
  • Moderation, coaching, and counselling in communication processes
  • Further and continuing education programmes
  • Teaching assignments and individual courses
  • Development, implementation, and evaluation of advanced nursing roles and services (Advanced Nursing Practice)

Projects and Publications

All projects and publications of the Nursing Science Research Unit are listed according to the start date or publication date in the ZHAW project and publication database.

Clients and Research Partners

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.

In interdisciplinary projects, we collaborate with the School of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy, Nursing Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Public Health research units.

Our Research Team

The Nursing Science research team employs professionals with a doctorate in nursing science as well as research associates and assistants with practical and research experience in Switzerland and abroad.