The inconsistent ethical oversight of healthcare quality data in Switzerland

Further consideration needs to be given to how regulations can be revised in a way that ensures that healthcare improvement activities using the same quality data in Switzerland are not either overregulated on one side or completely without control on the other.

Look before you SPRINT: look at the data and look at the consequences

The SPRINT trial’s serious problems in internal and external validity require great caution in implementing the new US blood pressure guideline.

Recommendations for genetic testing and counselling after sudden cardiac death: practical aspects for Swiss practice

Genetic testing can reveal substrates for cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, as well as aortic diseases and premature atherosclerosis, which may explain some sudden cardiac deaths.

Excipients: not so inert? When the excipient plays the role of an active substance, as exemplified by systemic lupus

The choice of excipients is central in the drug development process. A bad choice of excipient can modify or masking the effect of the active substance. Some so-called excipients display bioactivity themselves, which can lead to unwanted effects in patients.

Comparison of metabolic outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy – a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and is known to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The preferred type of surgery and mechanism of action is however unclear.

Adaptation of cost-effectiveness analyses to a single country: the case of bariatric surgery for obesity and overweight

There is a relatively broad international literature on the cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery, but no systematic reviews that examine the transferability of international cost-effectiveness results for Switzerland or another single country.

Adherence to guidelines when evaluating fitness-to-drive in the elderly: a practice review of Swiss physicians

Despite the existence of Swiss recommendations for fitness-to-drive assessments of older drivers, whether and how these guidelines are used in clinical practice are currently unknown.

Video analysis for the evaluation of vaginal births: a prospective observational study

The aim of video documentation during labour is to provide an observational tool for obstetric care by midwives and obstetricians, with the opportunity for evaluation and education afterwards.

Termination of pregnancy in a border region between Switzerland and Italy (2008–2015)

The cantonal health system of Ticino can be used not only by Swiss residents, but also residents abroad, in particular from Italy. For various reasons, many Italian women living close to the Swiss border consult the Swiss healthcare system when they decide to have a voluntary termintion of pregnancy.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to treat hypercapnia in a morbidly obese patient

Use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation avoids some of the risks associated with intubation and mechanical ventilation. But it is necessary to weigh the risks and benefits before using it in morbid obesity.