Ethics
12.11.2025
Forcible Deportations: Disclosure of medical data
Read more CloseWith regard to forcible deportations, physicians are legally obliged to share relevant health data to enable the assessment of transportability of the persons affected. As of January 1, 2026, a standardised nationwide report form will be introduced in Switzerland for this purpose. The aim is to ensure the disclosure of medical data in compliance with legal requirements.
Medical confidentiality under Article 321 of the Swiss Criminal Code must also be respected in the context of the enforcement of deportations orders. If the affected person refuses to give consent to data disclosure, a release from medical confidentiality is to be requested. The FMH, the Conference of Swiss Prison Doctors and the SAMS explicitly recommend this. Today the three institutions published a comprehensive article in the Swiss Medical Journal (Bulletin des médecins suisses, BMS). Further information and the new medical report form can be found on our topic page.
Download BMS article in French (PDF)
Projects
12.11.2025
smarter medicine: Top 5 list for pediatric surgery
Read more CloseThe association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a member, is committed to providing optimal healthcare in Switzerland. It encourages professional societies to draw up Top 5 lists defining interventions that should be avoided altogether or only used under specific conditions. In November 2025, the Swiss Society for Pediatric Surgery (SSCP) published such a list.
In its Top 5 list, the SSCP advises against surgical intervention for uncomplicated or asymptomatic clavicle fracture, umbilical hernias, phimosis or popliteal cysts. Whole-body computed tomography scans after accidents should also be used with caution. Many of these situations can be treated without surgery or with less invasive procedures. The aim is to promote child-friendly, safe and responsible treatment. You can download the SSCP's Top 5 list here (in French); all other lists are available on the smarter medicine website (in French or German).
Top 5 list, French version (PDF)
Funding
06.11.2025
Swiss Health Care Atlas: Understanding regional differences and improving quality
Read more CloseIn Switzerland, the use of healthcare services is not uniform across the country, as illustrated by the Swiss Health Care Atlas. This digital map highlights many regional differences that require closer examination. Significant differences may indicate, for example, overuse or under-provision of care. The SAMS has supported a dialogue project that uses the «treasure trove» of the Swiss Health Care Atlas to gain insights into the quality of healthcare and derive measures.
Published by the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), the Health Care Atlas documents the use of healthcare services based on over 120 indicators, ranging from ADHD medication to cardiac catheterization and radiotherapy. Regional differences were discussed with representatives of the population, the medical profession, research, health insurance companies and health authorities, and measures for improving quality were outlined. The action plan published in October by Interface summarizes the results (in French, German and Italian). The Swiss Health Care Atlas can be found on the Obsan website.
Action plan, French version (PDF)
Ethics
20.10.2025
Organ donation after assisted suicide? Interview with CEC President Paul Hoff
Read more CloseThe number of assisted suicides is on the rise. In some cases, people who intend to end their lives wish to donate their organs after death. Organ donation and assisted suicide have been practised independently of each other in Switzerland for years, combining both practices, however, raises numerous new medical-ethical questions. In an interview with the Tages-Anzeiger, Paul Hoff, president of the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) of the SAMS explains why he considers an in-depth discussion important.
In August, the CEC published a position statement on organ donation after assisted suicide. Asked about the most important point of the statement, Paul Hoff replies: «For me it is the autonomy of those affected, their self-determination.» The donor had thought thoroughly about the issue and clearly expressed his wishes shortly before his death. «This is usually not the case when it comes to organ donation.» Apart from this positive aspect, Hoff points to numerous sensitive issues, ranging from professional ethics questions to organizational questions. Find out more about the topic in the interview published today (in German) and on our website.
Download the interview (PDF)
Projects
16.10.2025
Need for action in family medicine and pediatrics
Read more CloseAs part of its commitment to a sustainable healthcare system, the SAMS supports the professional association mfe in its «Workforce» study, which is conducted every five years. The results of the 2025 edition show that the shortage of pediatricians and general practitioners has worsened in recent years. An aging population, reduced working hours, and an increased administrative burden threaten basic medical coverage across the country.
Despite growing challenges, many respondents say they are very satisfied with their job, especially in group practices, where shared responsibilities and teamwork lighten the workload. However, it is alarming that a majority of respondents report a shortage of general practitioners in their region. The report outlines a series of measures to address this problem: reducing bureaucracy, digital innovation, intensifying the promotion of young talent, and funding additional initial and postgraduate training. Details of the study can be found in the latest issue of the online magazine mfe ACTU (in French).
mfe ACTU 1/2025 (PDF)
SPHN
14.10.2025
SPHN acts as a trusted partner between hospitals and private companies
Read more CloseA new collaboration framework within the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) allows private partners to transform Swiss health data into actionable insights while preserving patients’ privacy. The first project of this kind examines a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. SPHN has partnered with the Cantonal Hospital Aarau, the University Hospital Basel and Novartis.
The process is simple and privacy-preserving: Novartis has submitted a research question concerning a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The hospitals transferred the necessary data in anonymized form to the Trusted Research Environment BioMedIT, where SPHN’s Data Coordination Center conducted the analysis and delivered aggregated results back to Novartis. No personal data is shared with the industry partner. With this new model, SPHN enables research collaboration while adhering to high ethical and data protection standards. Further information can be found on the SPHN website.
Visit the website
Ethics
25.09.2025
Work in progress on new guidelines: Differences of sex development
Read more Close«Differences of sex development» (DSD) refers to cases where a person cannot be unequivocally assigned to the category of «male» or «female» on the basis of their physical characteristics. In such cases, complex medical-ethical questions arise. To provide guidance for practice, the SAMS has decided to develop guidelines and has set up a subcommittee for this purpose.
The subcommittee’s work began with a constituting session in August 2025. It includes not only specialists from the relevant medical disciplines but also persons with expertise based on lived experience, as well as experts in the fields of law, psychology and ethics. The complete composition of the subcommittee, information on the procedure for the preparation of guidelines and the medical-ethical questions can be found on our topic page.
Further information
Ethics
17.09.2025
ACP in retirement and nursing homes: Brochure available in three languages
Read more CloseAdvance care planning (ACP) should be available to anyone interested, including those living in retirement and nursing homes. The brochure published today describes how ACP can be implemented in long-term inpatient care institutions. The aim is to support residents and determine how they would like to be treated and cared for in the event of incapacity.
ACP is a continuous process involving residents, professionals, and where available, relatives. The new brochure provides practical support for introducing and implementing ACP in retirement and nursing homes. It is particularly aimed at nurses, doctors and ACP consultants. In six steps, the when, what and how of ACP are described. Further information can be found on our topic page, where the brochure can be ordered in print or downloaded as a PDF (available in German, French and Italian).
Download brochure, French Version (PDF)