Head of Nursing Development, at PZM Psychiatric Centre Muensingen AG, Switzerland.
Simone Beeri is a distinguished Swiss nurse and researcher specializing in psychiatric nursing. Currently serving as the Head of Nursing Development at PZM Psychiatric Centre Muensingen AG, she has dedicated over two decades to advancing mental health care. Her academic journey includes a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Basel, where her thesis explored the experiences of individuals undergoing Hepatitis C treatment. She is presently pursuing a PhD in Health and Nursing Science at Maastricht University, focusing on ethical aspects of psychiatric care. Beeri’s research interests encompass informal coercion in inpatient psychiatry, neuropsychiatric symptoms in hospitalized patients, and the development of nursing interventions in psychiatric settings. Her contributions to nursing science have been recognized with the Swiss Nursing Science Foundation’s Prize for Best Master’s Thesis in 2016. Beeri’s work continues to influence both clinical practice and academic discourse in psychiatric nursing.
Professional Profile
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ORCID
🎓 Education
Simone Beeri’s educational background reflects a commitment to excellence in nursing and health sciences. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Basel in 2016, where her thesis, titled “Becoming a Superstar by Surprise,” examined the lived experiences of individuals with Hepatitis C undergoing second-generation direct-acting antiviral therapy. In 2024, Beeri commenced her PhD studies in Health and Nursing Science at Maastricht University, focusing on ethical issues in inpatient psychiatry. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bern University of Applied Sciences in 2013, where she investigated the dynamics of openly managed acute wards in adult psychiatry. Prior to her academic pursuits, Beeri obtained diplomas in Registered Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing from institutions in Thun and Erlenbach i.S., Switzerland, laying the foundation for her extensive career in psychiatric nursing.
💼 Experience
Simone Beeri’s professional trajectory in psychiatric nursing is marked by progressive leadership and clinical expertise. Since 2021, she has been the Head of Nursing Development at PZM Psychiatric Centre Muensingen AG, where she leads initiatives to enhance nursing practices and patient care. Her tenure at PZM began in 1999 as a Mental Health Nurse, culminating in roles such as Deputy Head Nurse and Head Nurse between 2005 and 2014. From 2014 to 2021, Beeri served as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, focusing on complex psychiatric cases and staff development. In addition to her clinical roles, she has been the Head of the Ethics Committee at PZM since 2019, overseeing ethical standards in patient care. Her earlier career includes positions as a Registered Nurse in general and psychiatric nursing in various Swiss healthcare settings, providing a solid foundation for her leadership in psychiatric nursing.
🔬 Research Interests
Simone Beeri’s research interests lie at the intersection of psychiatric nursing, ethics, and patient-centered care. She is particularly focused on the concept of informal coercion in inpatient psychiatry, exploring how subtle forms of pressure influence patient autonomy and treatment outcomes. Beeri is also dedicated to identifying and implementing non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate neuropsychiatric symptoms in hospitalized patients with cognitive impairments, aiming to improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on medication. Her work extends to the development of ethical frameworks for nursing practice in psychiatric settings, ensuring that care delivery aligns with both professional standards and patient rights. Through her research, Beeri strives to bridge the gap between clinical practice and academic inquiry, contributing to the advancement of psychiatric nursing as a dynamic and responsive field.
🏆 Awards
Simone Beeri’s contributions to psychiatric nursing have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2016, she received the Swiss Nursing Science Foundation’s Prize for the Best Master’s Thesis in Nursing Science at the University of Basel. Her thesis, “Becoming a Superstar by Surprise,” provided valuable insights into the experiences of individuals undergoing Hepatitis C treatment, highlighting her ability to address complex clinical issues with depth and empathy. This accolade underscores her commitment to advancing nursing science and improving patient care. Beeri’s ongoing research and leadership in nursing development continue to influence the field, demonstrating her dedication to excellence in psychiatric nursing.
📚 Top Noted Publications
Simone Beeri has authored and co-authored several influential publications in the field of psychiatric nursing. Her recent work includes:
1. Beeri, S., Baumberger, E., Zwakhalen, S., & Hahn, S. (2025). Conceptualisation of Informal Coercion in Inpatient Psychiatry: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 34(3), e70076. DOI: 10.1111/inm.70076
Summary: This scoping review examines the concept of informal coercion in inpatient psychiatric care. It identifies various forms of informal coercion, such as persuasion and interpersonal leverage, and discusses their ethical implications and prevalence in clinical practice. The study highlights the need for clearer definitions and guidelines to address informal coercion effectively.
2. Baumberger, E., Beeri, S., Klöppel, S., Zwakhalen, S., & Hahn, S. (2025). Non-pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients for Behavioural Crises with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Geriatric Nursing. DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.04.006
Summary: This systematic review evaluates non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms in hospitalized patients with cognitive impairment. It finds that tailored interventions, including sensory stimulation and structured activities, are effective in managing symptoms and improving patient outcomes. The study advocates for integrating these interventions into routine care practices.
3. Hotzy, F., Jaeger, M., Buehler, E., Moetteli, S., Klein, G., Beeri, S., & Reisch, T. (2019). Attitudinal Variance Among Patients, Next of Kin, and Health Care Professionals Towards the Use of Containment Measures in Three Psychiatric Hospitals in Switzerland. BMC Psychiatry, 19, 128. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2092-9
Summary: This study compares attitudes towards containment measures—such as seclusion and restraint—among patients, next of kin (NOK), and healthcare professionals (HCP) across three psychiatric hospitals in Switzerland. It finds significant differences in perceptions, with HCPs generally more accepting of these measures than patients and NOK. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these differing perspectives in clinical decision-making.
Conclusion
Simone Beeri is a highly suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly within domains related to mental health nursing, ethics in psychiatry, and patient advocacy. Her clinical grounding, academic leadership, recent peer-reviewed publications, and recognition for early research achievements demonstrate strong potential and a growing impact in the field. While she may not yet be at the highest tier of research visibility internationally, her trajectory, dedication to interdisciplinary research, and ethical leadership distinguish her as a standout researcher worthy of recognition.