Published by Bernadette Alig & Katharina Fierz, Nursing Institute of Zurich University of Applied Sciences

As the institute of nursing, school of health professions, Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), we offer continuing education courses not only in Switzerland but also in China. More specifically, within the scope of an accredited Diploma of Advanced Studies in Gerontological Care (DAS – GC) and close cooperation with Chinese universities, expert lecturers provide classes in diverse topics related to gerontological care. Being very curious about getting to know the Chinese culture, health care system, nursing education system and gerontological care and how our program fits the needs of the Chinese population, we decided to apply to swissnex intercultural exchange program. Finally, after several organizational forths-and-backs, last August, Bernadette Alig, MSc, Head of continuing education and Katharina Fierz, PhD, RN, Professor and Director (both Institute of Nursing at ZHAW), had the opportunity to travel to China, which was an awesome experience. We were able to introduce and reflect on our continuing education program in gerontological care with many Chinese healthcare experts and to enlarge our network.

Jonas Thürler and Chenchen Liu of the Swiss Embassy cared for us in an outstanding manner and were our most wonderful hosts, translators and guides who made possible the impossible. The meetings and visits that were organized were tremendously inspiring, impressive, and extremely informative.

During our time in Beijing, we were able to meet many knowledgeable people introducing us to Chinese health care system, health care education, health care policy and providing insight into examples of excellent care for the elderly.

At the China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service (CASWSS), we learned from Hua Han, Secretary General, and colleagues about the Association’s engagement in establishing national standards for gerontological care in terms of self-management, assessment, staff training and educational offerings. Furthermore, CASWSS organizes a yearly expo on progress in senior care comprising above topics. ZHAW was cordially invited to participate in 2020.

Swiss Delegation with CASWSS representatives — Swiss Delegation with **CASWSS** representatives

It was a great honor to meet Dr. Zhang Tuohong, National Professional Officer Health System and Health Security Team of the WHO China Office. Dr Zhang is internationally connected and provided an excellent international perspective on developments in health care for the elderly in China. She also was very open to discuss potentially sensitive topics such as the need to focus on palliative care, communication and psychosocial care within the scope of caring for the aging population in China and the political agenda for healthcare. She provided valuable information on levels and system of nursing education.

Dr. Zhang Tuohong, National Professional Officer Health System and Health Security Team of the WHO China Office and Prof. Katharina Fierz, Director of the Institute for Nursing at ZHAW — Dr. **Zhang Tuohong**, National Professional Officer Health System and Health Security Team of the **WHO** China Office and Prof. Katharina Fierz, Director of the Institute for Nursing at ZHAW

The meeting with representatives from the Health Human Resources Development Center (HHRDC), National Health Commission, provided a very interesting and fruitful discussion on the current situation of nurses and the nursing profession in China including the need for curriculum development on a high and future-oriented, academic level. Ms Zhang Yun, Head of Department of International Cooperation, HHRDC, Ms Nancy Fan, Program Supervisor, Department of International Cooperation, HHRDC, Ms Li Ke, Program Supervisor, Beijing Weirenweiye International Medicine Research Center, HHRDC, Ms Liu Huaping, Professor, School of Nursing Beijing Union Medical College; Director of WHOOC for Nursing Policy Making and Leadership and Ms Zhao Hong, Professor, School of Nursing Beijing Union Medical College; Deputy Director of WHOOC for Nursing Policy Making and Leadership were genuinely interested in further and ideally formalized cooperation in view of curriculum development and research.

ZHAW Delegation (third and fourth from left) and representatives of HHRDC — ZHAW Delegation (third and fourth from left) and representatives of **HHRDC**

We also had – as intended – the chance to visit examples of excellent care. Ms. Li, Marketing and Operation Manager at the Cuncao Chunhui Home for the Aged (Ya Yun Can) dedicated her time to us. We were cordially invited on a tour around the house and introduced to the facility, various activity offerings (e.g., gardening) and devices to alleviate living at home as an elderly person and being able to participate in social and family life (e.g., a kind of a moveable rest to lean on while cooking). We had the excellent opportunity to ask and clarify questions regarding the institution’s principles, guidelines and nursing / caring processes. Biography work is an integral part of caring for clients suffering from dementia, including a ‘biography room’ furnished with objects from the past (e.g., very old TV / radio, furniture, wallpaper).

‘room of memories’ at Cuncao Chunhui Home for the Aged — ‘room of memories’ at **Cuncao Chunhui Home for the Aged**

Another most impressive place with the clear vision to care for the elderly and their families in a comprehensive way was one of the facilities of DaAi City Aged Care Service Co, which is an independent division of DaAi City Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. Fan Congiun and Wu Danxing, Vice President DaAi City Aged Care Service Co, Ltd, CEO, welcomed the delegation from ZHAW cordially and we immersed ourselves in most stimulating discussions before we enjoyed an astonishing tour around the house.

Wu Danxing, Vice President DaAi City Aged Care Service Co — **Wu Danxing**, Vice President **DaAi City Aged Care Service Co**

The DaAi City home for the elderly is situated 1.5 hrs outside Beijing and with its spacious public area, single-bed rooms, an in-house shop and many activation offerings, indeed, an impressive place. Activation and rehabilitation is a credo, which is followed rigorously and can be traced wherever you go: we observed clients singing, playing cards or other games, shopping, rehearsing the last piano lesson, a.s.f. during the entire tour. Existing activation offerings can be expanded if clients wish to do so. A swimming pool, state-of-the-art rehab devices, yoga room, floral arts, calligraphy and painting, music, and so forth are only some of the further opportunities offered to clients.

Furthermore, the organisation’s vision is comprehensive care and social participation, including the family living nearby, the option to move from one center to another within China according to one’s preferences and growing one’s own vegetable and fruit.

After these days filled with new impressions, questions, answers, we enjoyed a day off, reveled in touristic activities and visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Thanks to swissnex China we were able to gain valuable and inspiring insights into the Chinese healthcare system – we would like to thank all of you who made this experience possible!