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Chronic Diseases and Health Service Research

The research on primary health care services includes epidemiology and management of non-communicable disease and common illnesses, primary care services utilization, and outcomes of primary care services etc.

Our health services team has conducted a large evaluation of primary care service and interventions in Hong Kong with high impact publications internationally and policy impacts locally and regionally. Our multi-disciplinary projects in health and health service research have entailed collaboration between the HKU, Food and Health Bureau HKSAR, Department of Health HKSAR, Hong Kong Hospital Authority, local non-profit organizations and partners, along with regional and international institutions and others in Mainland China.

Researchers
  • Professor Eric Yuk Fai WAN (Data scientist lead)
  • Professor Peter TANUSEPUTRO (Clinical lead)
  • Professor Cindy Lo Kuen LAM
  • Professor Emily Tsui Yee TSE
  • Professor Linda CHAN
  • Dr Ivy Lynn MAK
  • Dr Shan LUO
  • Dr Yuk Kam YAU

Current research projects
  1.  A cross-sectional survey of parent-adolescent dyads on family influence on adolescent healthy eating. PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2023-2024, Health and Medical Research Fund, HK$465,000.
  2. Cohort study to investigate the outcomes of patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of structured multi-disciplinary intervention programmes. PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2019-2024, Health and Health Services Research Fund Commissioned Research to Support Local Cohorts and Follow-up Studies (CFS-HKU4), HK$5,999,020.
  3. An evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme): a commissioned study. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2024-2026, Health and Medical Research Fund.   HK$7,992,219.
  4. Optimizing the frequency of complication monitoring for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care based on risk stratification. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2023-2025, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau). RMB¥2,000,000.
  5. Short- and long-term burden of COVID-19 in substance abusers: A cohort study. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2023-2024, Beat Drugs Fund Regular Funding Scheme, Narcotics Division, Security Bureau. HK$372,453.
  6. Development and validation of a 10-year risk assessment tool for fragility fractures using electronic medical records for case finding of high-risk individuals in Hong Kong. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2022-2025, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$1,391,664.
  7. A multinational big data Covid-19 Epidemiological Study on post-infection Outcomes (ACESO). PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2021-2025, Collaborative Research Fund (CRF). HK$9,691,060.
  8. The long term spill-over impact of COVID-19 on health and healthcare of patients with non-communicable diseases: an in-depth outcome and health economic evaluation. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2021-2026, Food and Health Bureau Commissioned Research on the Novel Coronavirus. HKD$9,334,600.
  9. When should statin therapy be initiated for patients with diabetes mellitus – a target randomized controlled trial emulation using big data. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2020-2024, Health and Medical Research Fund Research Fellowship Scheme. HKD$1,135,398.
  10. Improving T2DM detection among at-Risk individuals – Effectiveness of Active Opportunistic Screening using spot Capillary-HbA1c test – a cluster randomized controlled trial (DM-REACH). PI: Linda CHAN, 2021-2024, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$1,500,000.
  11. A cross-sectional survey exploring the willingness of Hong Kong people to use teleconsultation in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. PI: Emily T.Y. TSE, 2023-2024, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$511,216.
  12. The Impact of language on care and outcomes in patients with prostate or breast cancer. PI: P Tanuseputro, 2024-2025, Canadian Institutes for Health Research Project Grant – Bridge Funding. CAD$100,000.
  13. Understanding and improving the use of acute care hospitals for older adults in retirement homes. PI: P Tanuseputro, 2024-2027, Canadian Institutes for Health Research Project Grant. CAD$455,176.
  14. Supporting aging in place with dementia: A population-based analysis of health care use, health outcomes and future burden. PI: P Tanuseputro, 2023-2027, Canadian Institutes for Health Research Project Grant. CAD$428,400.
  15. Creating a Learning Health System to Improve Palliative and End-of-life Care in Long-term Care Homes. PI: P Tanuseputro, 2023-2024, Ontario Ministry of Health. Ontario Health Data Platform First Movers’ Fund. CAD$1,459,875.
  16. Generating data-driven policy solutions for Ontario's primary care crisis. Principal Investigators: Kendall C (NPA). PI: P Tanuseputro, 2023-2024, Canadian Institutes for Health Research Project Grant Catalyst Grant. CAD$149,690.
  17. The Impact of Language Concordant Care for Inpatient Terminal Cancer Patients. PI: P Tanuseputro, 2023-2024, Association Médicale Universitaire Montfort (AMUM). CAD$91,000.
  18. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families, The HKU Health Programme in Tung Chung. PI: Emily Tse, 2024-2025, Kerry Kuok Group Foundation (Hong Kong) Limited, HK$4,363,314.
 

Recent Publications
  1. Cheng WHG, Liu KSN, Ng APP, Wong CKH, Or CKL, Fong DYT, Cheung JPY, Chao DVK, Ko WWK, Wong ELY, Lam CLK. Effectiveness of Routine Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in Improving Patient-reported Outcomes in Primary Care Patients with Chronic Knee and Back Problems - A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. 2026. doi:10.1371/journal.pdig.0001337
  2. Zhong CC, Chen M, Lo CY, Yim MK, Zhang X, Wong WCW, Huang J, Wong MCS. Implementation of Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults: Cross-sectional Qualitative Study. 2026. doi:10.2196/78814
  3. Leung KH, Wang H, Wong EK, Chu P, Sin TH, Yip JCF, Tuplano RM, Tse WMV, Kwan CNF, Wan EYF, Tam CCF, Chan KYE, Leung CY, Goh VKM, Werys K, Stafford R, Janich MA, Ng MY. Comparing prognostic significance of dual bolus and dual sequence quantitative stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance. 2026;:544-553. doi:10.1093/ehjci/jeaf339
  4. Shen X, Luo S, Zheng J, Chui CSL, Wong ICK, Wan EYF, Schooling CM, Au YSL. Evaluating the Impact of Putative Metformin Targets on Cancer Outcomes: A Drug‐Target Mendelian Randomization Study. 2026. doi:10.1111/dom.70598
  5. Zhan Y, Ma R, Shi R, Ruan X, Yao C, Ali S, Chun TT S, Lu Z, Yuan Y, Wei G, Xu X, Xiong L, Ng ATL, Lo RKY, Na R. Genetic risk and biomarker-derived cluster for urolithiasis risk prediction: a prospective cross-cohort study in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. 2026. doi:10.1097/js9.0000000000004981
  6. Wang B, Tse ETY, Chui CSL, Lam CLK, Wan EYF. Optimising lipid monitoring interval for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with type-2 diabetes: A target trial emulation study. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113156
  7. Yan VKC, Xu W, Taniguchi Y, Fung KK, Chan KH, Lau GKK, Chui CSL, Lai FTT, Li X, Iwagami M, Masuda R, Tamiya N, Dorajoo SR, Neo JW, Chan EWY, Wong ICK, Wan EYF. Myasthenia gravis following the initiation of statin therapy: A multinational self-controlled case series study. 2026;:502-514. doi:10.1111/joim.70072
  8. Wong ZCT, Cheng FWT, Mak IL, Tse ETY, Tang SCW, Wong ICK, Wan EYF. Reno-protective effects of statins among patients with chronic kidney disease in Hong Kong: a target trial emulation. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103798

Key publications
  1. P Tanuseputro, C Webber, J Downar. Illness trajectories in the age of big data. BMJ. 2024;384:q510.
  2. DT Myran, P Tanuseputro, N Auger, L Konikoff, R Talarico, Y Finkelstein. Edible Cannabis Legalization and Unintentional Poisonings in Children. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(8):757-759.
  3. DT Myran, LD Harrison, M Pugliese, M Solmi, KK Anderson, JG Fiedorowicz, CM Perlman, C Webber, Y Finkelstein, P Tanuseputro. Transition to Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Following Emergency Department Visits Due to Substance Use With and Without Psychosis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(11):1169-1174.
  4. M Solmi, N Fabiano, AE Clarke, SG Fung, P Tanuseputro, G Knoll, DT Myran, A Bugeja, MM Sood, GL Hundemer. Adverse outcomes and mortality in individuals with eating disorder-related electrolyte abnormalities in Ontario, Canada: a population-based cohort study. Lancet Psychiatry. 2024;11(10):818-827.
  5. W Xu, AL Lee, CLK Lam, G Danaei, EYF Wan. Benefits and Risks Associated With Statin Therapy for Primary Prevention in Old and Very Old Adults : Real-World Evidence From a Target Trial Emulation Study. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2024;177(6):701-710.
  6. W Xu, VKC Yan, Z Zhang, KK Fung, KH Chan, KK Lau, CSL Chui, FTT Lai, X Li, EWY Chan, ICK Wong, EYF Wan. Myasthenia gravis following statin therapy: evidence from target trial emulation and self-controlled case series study. Nature Communications. 2024;15(1):10317.
  7. ICH Lam, R Zhang, KKC Man, CKH Wong, CSL Chui, FTT Lai, X Li, EWY Chan, CS Lau, ICK Wong, EYF Wan. Persistence in risk and effect of COVID-19 vaccination on long-term health consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nature Communications. 2024;15(1):1716.
  8. MH Choi, EYF Wan, ICK Wong, EWY Chan, WM Chu, AR Tam, KY Yuen, IFN Hung. Comparative effectiveness of combination therapy with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and remdesivir versus monotherapy with remdesivir or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a target trial emulation study. Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2024;24(11):1213-1224.
  9. ETY Tse, CKH Wong, DD Wu, JY Chen, TP Lam. A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring the Willingness of Hong Kong People to Use Teleconsultation in Primary Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemedicine Journal and E-health. 2024.
  10. F Lu, CKH Wong, ETY Tse, APP Ng, L Li, L Bedford, DYT Fong, P Ip, CLK Lam. The 5-year outcomes of a health-empowerment program on low-income children's behaviors and quality of life. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. 2024;18(1):144.
  11. W Dong, WHG Cheng, ETY Tse, Y Mi, CKH Wong, EHM Tang, EYT Yu, WY Chin, LE Bedford, WWK Ko, DVK Chao, KCB Tan, CLK Lam. Development and validation of a diabetes mellitus and prediabetes risk prediction function for case finding in primary care in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study and a prospective study protocol paper. BMJ Open. 2022;12(5):e059430.
  12. W Xu, L Chan, G Danaei, Y Lu, EYF Wan. Long-term statin use and risk of cancers: a target trial emulation study. Journal of clinical epidemiology. 2024;172:111425.
  13. EYF Wan, EYT Yu, L Chan, AHY Mok, Y Wang, EWY Chan, ICK Wong, CLK Lam. Comparative Risks of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Journal of clinical pharmacology. 2023;63(1):126-134.
  14. L Chan, RKW Liu, TP Lam, JY Chen, GL Tipoe, FA Ganotice. Validation of the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) among medical educators in Hong Kong: a confirmatory factor analysis. Medical Education Online. 2022;27(1):2044635.
  15. B Wang, IL Mak, KSN Liu, EPH Choi, CLK Lam, EYF Wan. Association between Type 2 Diabetes onset age and risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality: Two cohort studies from United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Diabetes & Metabolism. 2025;51(2):101607.
  16. EYF Wan, EYT Yu, IL Mak, HM Youn, KS Chan, EWY Chan, ICK Wong, CLK Lam. Diabetes with poor-control HbA1c is cardiovascular disease 'risk equivalent' for mortality: UK Biobank and Hong Kong population-based cohort study. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. 2023;11(1).
  17. IL Mak, EYF Wan, TKT Wong, WWJ Lee, EWY Chan, EPH Choi, CSL Chui, MSM Ip, WCS Lau, KK Lau, SF Lee, ICK Wong, EYT Yu, CLK Lam. The Spill-Over Impact of the Novel Coronavirus-19 Pandemic on Medical Care and Disease Outcomes in Non-communicable Diseases: A Narrative Review. Public Health Reviews. 2022;43:1604121.
  18. Y Liang, S Luo, EYF Wan, CL Cheung, D Gill, SL Au Yeung. Relative effects of genetically proxied glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonism on muscle and fat mass: A Mendelian randomization study. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2025.
  19. S Luo, HS Lam, YH Chan, CSM Tang, B He, MK Kwok, GM Leung, CM Schooling, SL Au Yeung. Assessing the safety of lipid-modifying medications among Chinese adolescents: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study. BMC medicine. 2023;21(1):410.
  20. S Luo, ICK Wong, CSL Chui, J Zheng, Y Huang, CM Schooling, SLA Yeung. Effects of putative metformin targets on phenotypic age and leukocyte telomere length: a mendelian randomisation study using data from the UK Biobank. The lancet Healthy longevity. 2023;4(7):e337-e344.
  21. S Luo, Y Liang, THT Wong, CM Schooling, SL Au Yeung. Identifying factors contributing to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 risk: a systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies. International journal of epidemiology. 2022;51(4):1088-1105.
  22. YK Yau, LHS Lau, RNS Lui, SH Wong, CL Guo, JWY Mak, JYL Ching, M Ip, MA Kamm, DT Rubin, PKS Chan, FKL Chan, SC Ng. Long-Term Safety Outcomes of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Real-World Data Over 8 Years from the Hong Kong FMT Registry. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology 2024;22(3):611-620.e612.
  23. YK Yau, Q Su, Z Xu, W Tang, JYL Ching, JWY Mak, CP Cheung, M Fung, M Ip, PKS Chan, JCY Wu, FKL Chan, SC Ng. Randomised clinical trial: Faecal microbiota transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2023;58(8):795-804.
  24. W Xu, YK Yau, Y Pan, ETY Tse, CLK Lam, EYF Wan. Effectiveness and Safety of Using Statin for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Hypercholesterolemic Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases: A Target Trial Emulation Study. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. 2025. (in press)
  25. F Lu, CKH Wong, ETY Tse, APP Ng, L Li, JSM Lam, L Bedford, DYT Fong, P Ip, CLK Lam. The Impact of a Health Empowerment Program on Self-Care Enablement and Mental Health among Low-Income Families: Evidence from a 5 Year Cohort Study in Hong Kong. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20(6):5168.
  26. KSN Liu, JY Chen, KS Sun, JPY Tsang, P Ip, CKH Wong, CLK Lam. The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthy Eating Questionnaire: a pilot validation study in Chinese families. Front Public Health. 2024 Jul 17;12:1355638.
  27. EKP Lee, PKM Poon, ETY Tse, SQ Wang, SN Ramdzan, R Sit, WL Ng, L Chan, CP Yu. Evening dosing versus morning dosing of anti-hypertensive medications for nocturnal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 107 randomized controlled trials. (Conference proceedings) J Hypertens 42(Suppl 1):p e257, May 2024.
  28. WHG Cheng, W Dong, ETY Tse, L Chan, CKH Wong, WY Chin, LE Bedford, WK Ko, DVK Chao, KCB Tan, CLK Lam. Recalibration of a Non-Laboratory-Based Risk Model to Estimate Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes Mellitus Risk in Primary Care in Hong Kong. J Prim Care Community Health. 2024;15:21501319241241188.
  29. L Chan, CLK Lam, SYS Wong, EYF Wan, DVK Chao, WK Ko, XR Chen, ES Lee, WL Ng, PPL Chan, EVM Bilney, Z Tang, S Yuen. Improving T2DM Detection in Primary Care–Effectiveness of Active Opportunistic Screening Using Point-of-Care Capillary HbA1c. (Conference proceedings) Ann Fam Med. 2024; 22(Suppl 1) 5944.
  30. EKP Lee, S Wang, WL Ng, SN Ramdzan, ETY Tse, L Chan, AA Rashid, WY Chin, CP Yu, R Sit, P Poon. Evening dosing versus morning dosing of anti-hypertensive medications for nocturnal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 107 randomized controlled trials. J Hypertens. 2024 Oct 1;42(10):1653-1664.
 

Past research projects
  1. What are the family barriers and facilitators of healthy eating habits among adolescents? PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2021-2023, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$440,650.
  2. What is optimal blood pressure target for antihypertensive treatment? A target randomized controlled trial emulation using big data. PI: Eric Y. F. WAN, 2021-2023, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$925,260.
  3. The Development and Validation of a DM and Pre-DM Risk Predication Function for Case Finding in Primary Care in Hong Kong. PI: Cindy L. K. LAM, 2020-2023, Health and Health Service Research Fund. HK$1,499,908.
  4. Effectiveness of Routine Measurement of Health-related Quality of Life in Improving the Outcomes of Patients with Musculoskeletal Problems- A Randomized Controlled Trial. PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2020-2023, UGC-General Research Fund (GRF). $1,069,198.
  5. Resilience: A Mixed Methods Study of Hong Kong Medical Educators. PI: Linda CHAN, 2020-2022, Enhanced New Staff Start-up Research Grant. HK$380,000.
  6. Resilience: A Pilot Mixed Methods Study of HKU Medical Educators. PI: Linda CHAN, 2020-2022, Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff. HK$150,000.
  7. Optimization in Hong Kong Public Health Service using Big Data research. PI: Eric YF WAN, 2019-2022, HKU Start-up Fund. HK$1,850,000.
  8. HKCFP-HKU Primary Care Morbidity Survey in Hong Kong. PI: Cindy L. K. LAM, 2019-2022, HKCFP Commissioned grant. HK$400,000.
  9. Pilot study on the association between blood pressure and risk of vascular and non-vascular diseases. PI: Dr Eric Yuk Fai WAN, 2019-2021, Seed Fund for Basic Research. HK$149,886.
  10. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2019-2020, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,800,000.
  11. The psychometric properties of a modified Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI-2) as a tool for serial measurements of health enablement. PI: Cindy L.K. LAM, 2019-2020, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund (Annual budget HK$1.78 to 2.8 million).
  12. A pilot study on the validity and reliability of ‘The Person-Centered Primary Care Measure’ in a Chinese population. PI: Emily T. Y. TSE, 2018-2020, Enhanced New Staff Start-up Packages. HK$380,000.
  13. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2018-2019, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,643,705.
  14. 10-year Risk Prediction Models of Complications and Mortality of Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Patients in Primary Care in Hong Kong. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2017-2019, Health and Medical Research Fund. HK$1,200,000.
  15. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2017-2018, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,780,224.
  16. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2017-2017, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,914,960.
  17. Provision of Data Analysis and Report Writing Services for the Population Health Survey 2014/15. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2016-2017, Department of Health Contract Research. HK$745,741.
  18. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2016-2016, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,916,598.
  19. Extended evaluation of quality of care of chronic disease management and public-private partnership programmes of the Hospital Authority. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2011-2016, Commissioned Study on Enhanced Primary Care, Food and Health Bureau. HK$5,685,000.
  20. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2015-2015, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,891,584.
  21. Primary Care & Health Services Research Initiatives for Families: Health Assessment and Health Empowerment Programmes for Trekkers Families. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2014-2015, Kerry Group and Kuok Foundation Endowed Research Fund. HK$2,338,436.
  22. Evaluation Study on Quality of Care of Healthcare Programmes. PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2010-2012, Hospital Authority tendered research project. HK$790,300.
  23. Utilization Pattern of Primary Health Care Services in Hong Kong - Does Having a Family Doctor Make Any Difference? PI: Cindy L. K. Lam, 2007-2008, Health and Health Services Research Fund SHS-P-10. HK$567,606.