Federal Council Research Articles

On the Strategies and Efficiency of Care and Support Systems for Elderly Across Cantons in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Council has formulated a policy requiring each canton to establish housing conducive to independent living during old age. Maintaining the independence of older adults at home rather than transitioning to more expensive institutional care has gained traction. This study investigates the heterogeneity of strategies arising from the autonomy granted to each canton. Using mandatory statistics from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for 2020 on 1550 institutions for the elderly and 2546 at-home care providers, we rank the 26 cantons by permanent and temporary care and support, distinguishing between at-home and institutional care. We use univariate regressions to explain differences and perform efficiency analyses of the respective systems. We find that the French- and Italian-speaking cantons prioritise at-home care, while the German-speaking regions rely more on institutional care. The analyses reveal an inefficient stationary approach in German-speaking cantons, which often places elderly individuals with minimal care needs in institutions. Conversely, with an ambulatory approach favouring independence, cantons like Vaud and Valais prioritize counselling and at-home services, deferring entry into institutions and allowing for short convalescence stays. Our findings are relevant for governmental infrastructure planning and the property owners, investors, and property managers involved in senior housing decisions.

Interview with Franz Perrez

Franz Perrez is Director-General of the Directorate of International Law at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland. He is responsible for the development and interpretation of international law and ensuring that Switzerland's strategic rights are respected abroad. As a member of the FDFA senior management, Mr Perrez is also jointly responsible for the FDFA's strategic approach and advises the Federal Council, Switzerland's representatives abroad and other Federal Administration offices on international law issues. Prior to his new role Mr Perrez was appointed Switzerland's Ambassador for the Environment and Head of the International Affairs Division at the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) in 2010. In this capacity, he headed the Swiss delegations to international environmental and climate negotiations for thirteen years. After studying law in Bern and Paris, Mr Perrez worked at the FDFA's Directorate of International Law from 1993 to 1995. He went on to study at New York University, where he gained a master of laws focusing on international law and completed a PhD thesis on the topic of sovereignty as a principle of cooperation. On returning to Switzerland, he took up a position at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Division of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, before joining the FOEN in 2001. Mr Perrez has proven expertise in international law. He has widely published in the area of international environmental law, international environmental governance, the relationship between trade and the environment, and public international law. Since 2008, Mr Perrez has also lectured on international environmental law at the University of Bern School of Law. He served as a panellist on the newest WTO tuna–dolphin dispute between Mexico and the United States, and as Switzerland's Ambassador for the Environment and Chief Negotiator for Environmental Issues, namely climate change, biodiversity, chemicals and waste, he led the Swiss delegation to the Rio+20 conference and to the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015. He was President of the Basel Convention (COP 11 in 2013) and President of the Rotterdam Convention (COP 8 in 2017) and facilitated the negotiations on mitigation of the Paris Agreement. Through his work within and outside of Switzerland, he has built strong networks around the world and within the Federal Administration.

Субъектность стала реальностью: о функционировании Совета Федерации Федерального Собрания Российской Федерации в постсоветской России

This article analyzes some features of the conflict between the government and deputies of the Federation Council in 1997. The main reason for this conflict was the negative economic situation in the Primorsky Territory, coupled with an attempt to deprive the governor of the region, E. I. Nazdratenko, of his powers. As a result of the conflict, it became obvious to the entire political class that it was unrealistic to deprive the post of the head of the region elected by the people on the initiative of Moscow. It was also clearly demonstrated that the system of checks and balances in post-Soviet Russia exists de facto, and not only de jure. The possibility of making significant decisions at the federal level without taking into account the opinions of the regions and their heads has become extremely low. Thus, the Federation Council has finally proved its subjectivity.

Women's Representation in Government Bodies of the Russian Federation in the Period from 1991 to 2023

The representation of women in public authorities reflects a number of more general issues related to gender equality, the peculiarities of women's political leadership, women's participation in politics, etc. The purpose of this article was to identify gender proportions in the federal executive authorities and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation for the period from 1991 to 2023. The study was conducted by statistical analysis of data presented in open sources, on the websites of the Federation Council, the State Duma, the Government and other public authorities. This article reflects the dynamics of changes in the gender distribution of positions in the field of politics over the period under study. For the analysis, the highest positions of executive and other state authorities of the country were selected, as well as membership in both chambers of the Russian parliament, which made it possible to consider women's representation in positions involving direct decision-making. The study raises the problem of the underrepresentation of women in senior political and elected positions in public administration. According to the results of the study, data on women's representation in government over the past 34 years were systematized. A trend has been identified to increase the representation of women in high-level executive positions. At the same time, the number of women in the Cabinet of Ministers of our country in the entire history of the Russian Federation has not exceeded 11% or two female representatives at the same time. No more than two women at the same time had the opportunity to take the position of Deputy Prime Minister. There are positions that have been held exclusively by men for more than thirty years. The number of women in the country's parliament is also small, but the positive trend here is more pronounced. With a global average of 26.5% female representation, in Russia there are only 18.4% women among the members of both houses of parliament.

Palliative Extubation Protocol

Introduction: Palliative Extubation (PE) is considered to be the discontinuation of mechanical ventilation in patients whose death is inevitable, prioritizing comfort and respecting the patient’s wishes. This study focuses on definitions, ethical, and legal issues, as well as challenges faced by healthcare professionals.Objective: To explore PE as part of the transition in care, emphasizing symptomatic relief and continuity of PalliativeCare. A protocol and checklist for PE is proposed to guide professionals through the process.Method: Review of definitions, ethical, and legal aspects and presentation of a protocol and checklist for PE. Description of PE methods, including withdrawal of ventilatory support and the complexity of the decision.Results: The decision for PE must respect bioethical principles, patient autonomy and consider prognostic factors. The importance of analgesia and sedation is highlighted.Discussion: Ethical and legal aspects, such as Resolution 1805/2006 of the Federal Council of Medicine support PE, emphasizing the dignity of the patient and the right to therapeutic refusal. The updating of the Code of Medical Ethics in 2018 reinforces the provision of palliative care in terminal illnesses.Conclusion: PE is a complex and delicate practice in Intensive Palliative Care. The review highlights the importance of ethical and legal considerations and specific care when making decisions about PE, emphasizing quality in the dying process and relief of suffering.

BIOMEDICINA: ANÁLISE DAS DIRETRIZES E IMPACTOS NA FORMAÇÃO DE BIOMÉDICOS POR ENSINO A DISTÂNCIA

This is a bibliographic and documentary study related to the analysis of a Pedagogical Course Project (PPC) of a private institution, chosen due to the experience of working as a professor in a Biomedicine undergraduate course, in the distance learning modality, of another private educational institution. In this sense, reflections are made about the proposal of training biomedical professionals, specifically on the configuration of the course in the distance learning modality, guided by the following guiding questions: What are the legal regulations that guide the configuration of the Biomedicine course in the distance learning modality? What legal determinations are established to ensure the quality of the course in this modality? How is a Biomedicine course configured in the distance learning modality based on these regulations? It is concluded that there are legal regulations, both general and specific, that establish reasonable quality parameters for offering Biomedicine courses in the distance learning modality, which we identified in the appreciated PPC. It was also found that the Federal Council of Biomedicine has an important role in regulating and overseeing the training of biomedical professionals. In the experience as a professor, it is perceived that students of a distance learning course are very interested and participative during the in-person moments of practical components. Thus, to minimize difficulties arising from the distance learning format, it would be appropriate to promote practical in-person events and offer more opportunities for non-mandatory internships to further prepare them for future professional practice as Biomedical professio

EXPLORING THE CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF JOSÉ RIBAMAR: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT OF CFQ

Background: The interview with Professor José de Ribamar, conducted by Luís de Boni, addresses various aspects of his career and contributions to chemistry in Brazil. The conversation includes his experiences in teaching, research, and university administration, as well as his role as President of the Federal Council of Chemistry (CFQ). Aims: The primary aim of the interview is to highlight Professor Ribamar's achievements and challenges throughout his career, and to explore his views on chemistry and its impact on scientific and educational development in Brazil. Methods: The interview was conducted in a question-and-answer format, allowing Professor Ribamar to share his experiences and insights in a detailed and personal manner. The interview was recorded, transcribed, and is available in both text and video formats. Results: Professor Ribamar detailed his academic and professional journey, including his undergraduate and graduate studies in chemistry, his contributions as a professor at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), and his initiatives as a course coordinator and department head. He also discussed the impact of his research and his vision for the future of chemistry, emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence and algorithms in predicting chemical models. Discussion: The interview provided a comprehensive overview of Professor Ribamar's contributions to chemistry in Brazil. He emphasized the importance of education and ongoing research for scientific advancement, as well as the need to adapt to new technologies. The discussion also addressed the challenges the scientific community faces and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: Professor José Ribamar has significantly promoted and developed chemistry in Brazil in academia and public administration. His career illustrates the importance of dedication to education and research, and his reflections offer valuable lessons for future generations of scientists and educators. The interview serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the scientific community.

Toward Transparency on Animal Experimentation in Switzerland: Seven Recommendations for the Provision of Public Information in Swiss Law.

In Switzerland, the importance of transparency in animal experimentation is emphasized by the Swiss Federal Council, recognizing the public's great interest in this matter. Federal reporting on animal experimentation indicates a total of 585,991 animals used in experiments in Switzerland in 2022. By Swiss law, the report enables the public to learn about many aspects such as the species and degree of suffering experienced by the animals, but some information of interest to the public is missing, such as the fate of the animals at the end of the experiment (e.g., euthanized, rehomed in a private home, reused in another experiment). When it comes to animals bred in facilities but not used in experiments, further information of interest is not required to be made public according to Swiss law, for example, the number and fate of "surplus" animals (i.e., animals bred but not used in experiments for a variety of reasons such as not carrying the phenotypical properties needed). Considering that the Swiss government has a duty to provide a full accounting of animal experimentation conducted on the public's behalf, further relevant information should be disclosed. While efforts toward transparency, such as the STAAR Agreement, have been made in the scientific community, these mostly reflect the legal requirements already in force. If Switzerland is to move toward more transparency in public information on animal experimentation, an update of the legal requirements is needed. In this article, we give recommendations for Swiss law to move toward more transparency in public information on seven aspects: (1) the fate of the animals at the end of the experiment; (2) the sources of funding for animal experimentation; (3) the harm-benefit analysis performed by researchers and ethics committees to justify an experiment using animals; (4) the number of breeding/surplus animals; (5) the fate of breeding/surplus animals; (6) the harms experienced by animals in facilities; and (7) the funding of animal facilities.

Revision of Swiss international inheritance law

Abstract The Swiss Parliament amended the Federal Council’s draft of Chapter 6 of the Private International Law Act regarding cross-border successions and adopted it on 22 December 2023. As no referendum was held within the 100-day referendum period (e.g. 18 April 2024), the new law will enter into force on 1 January 2025. The revision aims to modernise Switzerland’s international inheritance law and adapt it, at least partially, to the rules of the European Succession Regulation (“EUSuccReg” or “Brussels IV”) through improved coordination of states’ competencies to adjudicate cross-border estate matters.

On modern problems of the mechanism of judges’ responsibility for disciplinary misconduct; law enforcement practice, general approaches. Part 1. Termination of the powers of a judge for a serious offense after the constitutional innovations of 2020 – constitutional or disciplinary responsibility?

The article criticizes the current situation regulated by law, in which a gross disciplinary misconduct of a judge, entailing the early termination of his judicial powers, is considered as a measure of disciplinary responsibility. The conclusion is substantiated that the early termination of the powers of a judge for gross misconduct should entail a measure of not disciplinary, but constitutional responsibility. The mechanism of constitutional responsibility of a judge is partially provided for by the constitutional innovations of 2020 only for a little over two thousand judges, and the Federation Council can apply it, which is not typical for a legislative body, and which destroys the unity of the status of judges. The rationale for its development should be based on the premise that a judge’s gross misconduct, which deserves early termination of his powers, is primarily a violation of the judge’s oath, which currently does not provide for any consequences under current legislation and corporate regulation. Appropriate proposals are made with the necessary justifications.

Case report: Retinal alterations in a young patient without comorbidities using injectable testosterone for aesthetic purposes

After the significant decision by the Federal Council of Medicine to veto the prescription of testosterone by doctors for aesthetic purposes, the major discussion revolves around the competence of users and other healthcare professionals regarding the monitoring of side effects that impact the patients' quality of life. This is because these individuals may potentially seek other ways to use the anabolic agent. In this case report, we present the case of a young, healthy patient without previous comorbidities, who exhibited significant ophthalmological changes during a routine check-up, consistent with systemic arterial hypertension, which had not been identified during their follow-up consultations with an endocrinologist.

Culpability and Prediction in Medical Error

According to the World Health Organization (2023), 2.6 million people die annually due to preventable adverse events in hospitals. This data is still underestimated, as the study evaluated only 150 countries. Each year, out of the 19.4 million people treated in hospitals in Brazil, 1.3 million experience at least one side effect caused by negligence or recklessness during medical treatment. In 2021, the Federal Council of Medicine reported that 92% of colleges do not meet at least one of the three parameters deemed ideal for the proper operation of medical courses. Every hour, three medical error lawsuits (The National Justice Council states that 3 medical error lawsuits are filed every hour) are filed in Brazil, and medical culpability finds practical and doctrinal differences at civil and criminal levels. The implementation of evidence-based medicine can reduce the numbers indicated and to this end, supported by the medical literature, the practitioner has the opportunity to contain the error and, as a consequence, the accounting of deaths and unexpected events using the exact science for that. The research thus recommends strategies to reduce avoidable errors and calls for stricter penalties for gross error.

Высокопоставленные чиновники Администрации Президента РФ: историческая динамика занятости после ухода с должности

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the characteristics of the post-career of high-ranking PA officials who left their positions under President Yeltsin and in the post-Yeltsin period - and the factors that determine them. The empirical basis of the study is a database that includes biographical questionnaires on AP figures who at least once left a key position in this body. The study showed that the role of federal executive authorities (including the government of the Russian Federation and law enforcement agencies) as a channel of post-career has increased. Transitions to the federal parliament are rare in both eras, but the proportion of officials who ended up in the State Duma after their resignation (especially a year later) slightly decreased, while the proportion of those who moved to the Federation Council, on the contrary, slightly increased in the post-Yeltsin period as a whole. While transitions to regional administrations were rare in both periods, PA officials were noticeably more likely to become governors in the post-Yeltsin era, which was facilitated by a centralization of power. Finally, the share of transitions from government to business is similar in both periods, as are their other characteristics: the dominance of big business as a place of work and the distribution of firms that have adopted officials by form of ownership. The pantouflage was aided by high salaries in big business and the firms' interest in recruiting officials in the context of crony capitalism.

Palliative care at the end of life and the role of the psychologist

Mallampati, Orotracheal intubation, Modifications.Palliative care (PC) is defined as care for patients diagnosed with progressive, incurable and/or chronic-degenerative diseases, and can cover any life-threatening illness that culminates in finitude. Therefore, PC aims to ease the pain and relieve the suffering of invasive treatments by providing dignity, comfort and welcome to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with incurable diseases; this care can also include the individual's family members and caregivers, providing them with welcome, assistance and support to deal with the issues arising from the progression of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the participation of the multi-professional team in PC, the patient and their family, i.e. all those involved in this process of becoming ill until the end of life, and in particular to investigate how psychology works in caring for the patient, the family/caregiver and the healthcare team. This study used the literature review method. This bibliographic review selected 27 scientific articles, 02 books, 01 Resolution of the Federal Council of Psychology, 01 Manual of Palliative Care of the National Academy of Palliative Care, 01 Manual of Palliative Care of the Sírio Libanês Hospital, 01 Primer of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 01 thesis. It will record how the patient copes during the journey from the diagnosis of illness to the end of life, as well as the participation and experience of the family, the multi-professional team and in particular the participation of Psychology within this scenario, as it is the scientific field that covers the holistic sphere of the individual, and its premise is to deal with issues involving human relationships, bringing the necessary comfort in the face of this new context of an established disease that will cause the end of existence. In this way, the psychologist is the professional trained to study mental processes, such as feelings, thoughts, behaviors, understanding their subjectivity and, in this context, helping the individual to understand their self in the face of the serious and irreversible clinical state that precedes the proximity of death, resolving outstanding issues with themselves and their families, providing support so that everyone can be at peace at the moment of farewell. Finally, it will discuss the importance of humanized care in PC through the inclusion of a specific subject in the undergraduate courses of health professionals, paying special attention to the field of psychological knowledge since it is the professional who is the protagonist in this scenario.

Brazilian classification of physical therapy diagnosis

BackgroundThe Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis, developed by the Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO), has the constitutional objectives of standardizing ethical, scientific and social aspects of the Physical Therapy profession. ObjectiveTo describe the work process, rationale and proposal for standardization of a physical therapy diagnosis classification system in Brazil. MethodsA working group was created to propose a standardized classification for the description and codification of physical therapy diagnoses. Some terminologies common to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) were used to make the nomenclature of diagnoses compatible with the outcomes inherent in the field of physical therapy. ResultsThe Brazilian Classification of Physical Therapy Diagnosis project culminated in a physical therapy diagnosis model consisting of terms grouped by organic systems and identifying codes. In addition, an application was developed to allow professionals to use the standardized diagnostic classification in an online system. ConclusionThe diagnostic classification system is expected to advance the Physical Therapy profession allowing the identification of structural and/or functional alterations in a simplified and standardised manner. From a physical therapy perspective, this classification may help to consolidate the autonomy of the Brazilian physical therapists by establishing a clearer pathway between the diagnosis and interventions.

Формирование федеративных отношений в Российской Федерации: опыт, проблемы, перспективы развития

The article analyzes the stages of improving federal relations in the Russian Federation. The author states that the improvement of federal relations contributes to the solution of many issues concerning Russian society. It is noted that the federal government and the authorities of the subjects came to a compromise on the issue of interest to them, which was reflected in the formation of the Federation Council — the upper house of the country's parliament, its reforms were analyzed. It is proposed to transfer to the Federation Council the issue of submitting candidates to the regional parliament for the post of head of the region, since in the Russian Federation, characterized by a high degree of centralization of the public administration system and a significant amount of powers belonging to the federal center in relations with the regions, it is the solution of this issue that would be most relevant, as a body of people's representation in the highest echelon of power. It is concluded that the creation of federal districts and the appointment of presidential plenipotentiaries strengthened the vertical of power. The author notes that the most important direction of the federal reform is the restoration of the internal state sovereignty of Russia and the supremacy of federal power.

PERCEIVING YOURSELF IN HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES WITH THE THERAPEUTIC PLAY: THE NURSE REPRESENTING HIMSELF THROUGH THE DRAWING-STORY

Introduction. Among the playful interventions recommended for the children’s care, the use of Therapeutic Play stands out in healthcare. Scientific evidence highlights benefits for children as an expression of their feelings, doubts, fears, desires and, consequently, greater tranquility, collaboration and learning in health procedures. There are also positive outcomes related to the reduction of pain, anxiety and negative attitudes. The use of this Brazilian technology is regulated by the Nursing Federal Council, integrating the role of the one who works in pediatric contexts. However, research indicates barriers to the systematic implementation of this practice by nurses in their daily care for children/adolescents. Goal. To understand how nurses represent themselves experiencing the use of Therapeutic Play in the care of children/adolescents supported by Drawing- Story. Methods. This is a qualitative study carried out considering Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Eleven nurses of both genders participated with experience in using/teaching Therapeutic Play. Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, they were recorded and finalized by Drawing-Story simultaneously with the analysis following the steps: initial coding, categorization, theoretical coding, apprehension of the Central Category, until reaching theoretical saturation, allowing the construction of the Theoric Model. Results. The analysis of the graphic messages in the drawings and verbalizations make it possible to understand that when promoting Therapeutic Play in childcare, nurses perceive themselves dynamically represented by virtuous adjectives that motive them to action such as: helping, conserving, understanding, repairing and welcoming. When you act like this, you are connecting yourself with positive feelings: good humor, joy, hope, perseverance, empathy, love, and gratitude with resilience. Conclusion. The Drawing-Story technique enriched data collection, as it enabled nurses to release their inner inclinations through graphic expression, revealing the essence of the playful nurse-person, constituted by ludic affection and humanism.

Ageism and the digital divide in Switzerland during COVID-19: Lessons for the post-pandemic world

The COVID-19 pandemic erupted in early 2020. The Swiss Federal Council implemented a semi-lockdown in March 2020, asking people, particularly older adults, to stay at home to limit the transmission of the disease and to use digital tools to maintain their social relations and activities. This study inquired how older adults confronting precarity experienced these restrictions, how digital tools functioned in this context, and what learning could therefore be imbibed for the post-pandemic era. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with adults aged between 66 and 90 years living in a rural and mountainous Swiss region. The obtained data were subsequently thematically analyzed. The results revealed that the respondents experienced ageism during the semi-lockdown and reported limited or non-existent opportunities to use digital tools to maintain online social contact. This predicament increased their sense of loneliness and amplified their feelings of rejection by the outside world. These observations elucidate the need for the enhancement of non-ageist social support for older people, including individuals with limited social and material resources. We advocate the adoption of innovative initiatives in the post-pandemic era to better include precarious older people in our localities and neighborhoods.

Analysis of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) of Argentina

This is an analysis of the current state of the coastal management in Argentina, the iczm Decalogue proposed by Barragán (2001 and 2004) has been used, encompassing ten strategic aspects for assessing coastal management. The study focuses on the changes that occurred in the period 2009-2020. The ten elements of the Decalogue include policy, regulations, competencies, institutions, instruments, education and training, resources, knowledge and information, education and sustainability, and participation. The political situation has evolved towards a more federal approach to coastal management in Argentina, with a notable redefinition of the boundaries of the Continental Shelf. However, a defined coastal management policy is lacking, suggesting the need for specific local-level public policies. Regulations have been improved, but there is still disparity in the definition of the coastal zone and regulation of uses and activities. Competencies are distributed between the national and provincial governments, leading to demands for increased jurisdiction by the provinces. Institutions have strengthened over the past decade, with the consolidation of sectoral Federal Councils and the creation of protected areas. Operational instruments exist at the national and provincial levels, but the lack of unified regulation for the entire coast poses challenges. Training and education in coastal management have advanced, with postgraduate programs and a focus on regional specialization. Financial resources are limited, and private investment primarily targets high-end real estate developments. Knowledge and information availability is high, but direct communication between academic institutions and the public and private sectors need improvement. Environmental education and sustainability promotion have strengthened, with an expanded educational offering. Citizen participation takes place through regulated calls by laws, although the results are not always binding. In addition, there are non-institutionalized forums and events are organized by NGOs and universities. Keywords: Coastal management, iczm Decalogue, Argentine Coast, Coastal policy, coastal management plan.

Нетипичный коммунист Леонид Иванченко: постсоветские годы

The article is devoted to the post-Soviet period of the biography of Leonid Andreevich Ivanchenko (1942–2016), a well-known participant of the left-wing movement of modern Russian history, one of the key political figures of the Don in the 1990s and early 2000s. After resigning from the position of chairman of the regional council, he focused his attention on working in the structures of Russian parliaments – People’s Deputy (until 1993), deputy of the Federation Council (1993–1995) and the State Duma (1995–2007), chairman of the Committee on Federation Affairs and Regional Policy (1996–2002). On the Don, Ivanchenko participated in the restoration of the structures of the previously banned Communist Party, was the leader of the Rostov branch. He unsuccessfully participated in the elections for the post of head of the regional administration twice (1996, 2001). As one of the leaders of the Central Committee of the Communist Party in 2003–2004, he publicly ex-pressed his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the party. In the summer of 2004, he became one of the leaders of the “schismatic” movement in the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the founders of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, and after the failure to realize this project, he retired from politics. He died in Rostov-on-Don in 2016.