Project

Model to calculate compensation for work-based training in tertiary-level programmes in health

With the introduction of flat rates per case (SwissDRG), the funding mechanism for work-based training in health has been revised.

Rido / Fotolia

The Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (SFIVET) was commissioned by the steering group responsible for the Master Plan Education in Nursing Professions to conduct a study on the costs and benefits of tertiary-level training in nursing (Link to study http://ehbzosr229.ehb-schweiz.ch/en/researchanddevelopment/researchthemes/Pages/projektdetails.aspx?entityid=31 ).
Based on this study and other baseline surveys, SFIVET was asked by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Health (GDK) to develop a specific model to calculate compensation to be paid to host institutions for work-based training in tertiary-level programmes in health. This project was conducted in cooperation with B,S,S. Economic Consultants.

The model to calculate compensation for work-based training was intended to satisfy multiple needs. First of all, the idea was to establish flat rates based on standard net costs for each field of activity/training level. These flat rates would be competitively neutral (i.e. balance between costs and benefits). Secondly, the aim was to establish a uniform model to be used all over Switzerland, for all areas of care and for all training levels. The same model would apply regardless of which institution signs an apprenticeship contract with the learners: the VET school, UAS or PET college (Schulortsprinzip) or the host institution (Lehrortsprinzip). Finally, the model needed to be easy to understand, simple, feasible, not limited to any specific field of activity and modifiable.

The model covers both upper-secondary level and tertiary-level training in the following fields:

Tertiary-level, UAS (ISCED 5A):

  • Nursing
  • Physiotherapy
  • Nutrition counselling
  • Midwifery
  • Occupational therapy
  • Radiologic technology

Tertiary-level, PET college (ISCED 5B):

  • Nursing
  • Surgical technology
  • Radiologic technology
  • Biomedical analysis
  • Paramedicine
  • Orthoptics

Upper-secondary level (ISCED 3A + 3B):

  • Health care
Method

A broadly composed steering group decided what cost and benefit components should be taken into account for the model.

Costs:

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Administration
  • Wages paid to learners/students
  • Personnel costs for direct work-based training
  • Personnel costs for indirect work-based training
  • Personnel and material costs for third-party training/industry courses

Benefits:

  • Work performed by learners/students

The amount of compensation to be paid for work-based training is determined on the basis of "standard net costs", which are calculated by quantifying costs and benefits. The model is primarily based on existing data and cantonal requirements. The values assigned to cost and benefit components may vary from one canton and/or field of activity to another (see below). The model and corresponding report (incl. updating concept) were submitted to GDK for subsequent use.