ASNE - Where Nursing and Economics Come Together
The Academic Society for Nursing Economics* brings together nursing professionals, researchers, and leaders who work at the intersection of nursing and health economics.
We are united by a common goal: to use scientific evidence to improve care for patients, healthcare professionals, and the Swiss healthcare system.
Are you also a nurse with an academic degree who is interested in health economics and outcomes research?
Then become an ASNE member today! We look forward to hearing from you!
Sarah und Sibylle
Co-Präsidentinnen ASNE
An academic association of the Swiss Association for Nursing Science (VfP-APSI)
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Members
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About ASNE
The Academic Society of Nursing Economics (ASNE) is a growing community of nursing professionals, researchers, leaders, and educators. We are united by our interest in the economic, organizational, and political dimensions of nursing and health care.
Nursing economics integrates health economics, health services research, outcomes research, and health policy with the realities of nursing practice. It addresses questions that are crucial for sustainable, high-quality care: How should resources be allocated? What does effective nursing care cost—and what added value does it create? How can scientific evidence support better decision-making in clinical practice, management, and policy?
The Swiss healthcare system is changing rapidly. Efface, the new unified funding system, which was approved by Swiss voters in November 2024, will overhaul the funding of care services across all sectors starting in 2028. Unresolved questions regarding the Payment for APN Services and to implement the Care Initiative add an extra sense of urgency. ASNE is committed to ensuring that nursing science has a strong and informed voice in these debates.
We promote collaboration, aim to advance research in health care economics, and are committed to bridging the gap between evidence, practice, and policy—in clinical care, academia, management, and health policy in Switzerland.
How ASNE Was Founded
ASNE emerged in response to a gap that many in the Swiss nursing research community had identified:
The economic aspects of nursing were becoming increasingly important, yet nursing was only marginally represented in these discussions.
During her time as president of the VfP, Irene Bischofberger advocated early on and consistently for this topic to be given its own space. In 2020, a lecture she gave as part of the MSN program at SUPSI in Lugano sparked a discussion. The idea took shape that same evening over dinner with Monica Bianchi and Stefan Kunz.
The following year, Monica and Stefan gathered a group of interested colleagues and submitted a formal motion to establish an AFG Nursing Economics section at the VfP General Assembly in May 2021.
The motion was approved, and membership has grown steadily ever since.
The ASNE was founded by twelve experts from across Switzerland: researchers, faculty members, and clinical leaders from universities, hospitals, and nursing facilities who saw the value in working together on these issues. Monica Bianchi, Stefan Kunz, Fritz Frauenfelder, and Michael Simon remain active members to this day.
Key Objectives
Ziele | Description | In der Praxis |
Collaboration and Synergies | We are actively seeking partnerships with other scientific societies, professional associations, and nursing networks. Creating synergies across disciplines, institutions, and practice areas is a central component of ASNE’s work. | joint webinars, cross-organizational workshops, interdisciplinary exchange programs |
open dialogue | We provide a forum for honest, practical discussions on the cost-effectiveness of care—ranging from healthcare financing and APN compensation to issues of staffing and care organization. | Regular meetings (online and in person), thematic webinars open to the general public |
Visibility | We promote the role of nursing economics in professional, political, and public discussions. This includes maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. | LinkedIn presence, events, media, public relations |
Other goals
Ziele | Description | in der Praxis |
Research and Evidence | We support research in health economics and promote the application of scientific findings in clinical practice, management, and health policy. A joint research agenda is planned for the future. | Future: Publications, Joint Research Agenda |
Contribution to policy-making | We contribute to position papers and expert reports that promote fair, efficient, and high-quality health care systems. | Future: Position Papers, Expert Survey |
Education and Skills | We support academic teaching and scientific publications to build expertise in the fields of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). | Teaching, Contributions, and Publications by ASNE Members |
Become a Member of ASNE
Are you a nurse interested in health economics? A researcher exploring issues related to nursing, health care systems, or nursing organizations? A manager who deals with questions about quality, resources, and staffing on a daily basis?
ASNE is your community
We provide a space for exchange, collaboration, and shared learning. We welcome members at every stage of their careers—from those who are just beginning to explore the economics of nursing to experienced researchers and practitioners.
What to Expect When You Join
When you join ASNE, you’ll receive an invitation to our next meeting. This is an informal gathering where you can get to know the group and learn more about the topics we’re currently exploring. From then on, you’ll be part of a network that shares resources, organizes events together, and looks for opportunities to collaborate. Meetings are held about every two to three months. New members are welcome to participate at their own pace.
Who can become a member?
Membership is open to all VfP members who meet one of the following criteria:
- An academic degree in nursing science or
- a background in nursing science, including at least a master's degree in a field related to nursing economics.
Membership fees and registration are handled through the VFP.
If you have any questions, please contact: as.nursingeconomics@vfp-apsi.ch
Become an ASNE member now