Research Faculty
Source: https://nursing.hku.hk/people/research-faculty/wai-chi-li Parent: https://nursing.hku.hk/people/research-faculty/professor-and-director
- Home
- People
- Research Faculty
Research Faculty
Polly Wai Chi LI
BNurs, MSc Cardiology, PhD, RN, APN (Education and Research in Nursing)
Associate Professor \ Director, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programme\ Associate Director, Bachelor of Nursing (FT) Programme and Advanced Leadership Track
[javascript protected email address].sort().join(\"\");var c=\"@iNtDBOJz-OJ\";var d=\"\";for(var e=0;e
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6309-5906
Professor Polly Wai-Chi Li received her degree of Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Hong Kong with first class of honours. She furthered her education by obtaining a Ph.D. from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She received several awards during her postgraduate study, including the Outstanding Thesis Award, New Researcher Award and Dr. Thomas HC Cheung Postgraduate Scholarship.
Professor Li's research interests include cardiology, critical care and chronic disease management. She has successfully secured research grants, such as the General Research Fund and Early Career Scheme from the Research Grants Council, the Health and Medical Research Fund, and the Health Care and Promotion Scheme from the Health Bureau. These grants have supported her studies in various areas, including:
- Promoting appropriate care-seeking behaviors in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
- Managing frailty in patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures.
- Improving the care and prevention of post-intensive care syndrome among survivors of intensive care units.
- Enhancing self-management for chronic diseases.
- Stroke prevention in individuals with atrial fibrillation.
- Preventing cognitive decline in persons with mild cognitive impairment.
Professor Li’s work has been widely disseminated in leading international, peer-reviewed journals in nursing, gerontology, and cardiology, such as the International Journal of Nursing Studies, Ageing Research Reviews, Age and Ageing, and Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
Professor Li is committed to make significant contributions to the fields of nursing and healthcare, driving forward innovations and best practices that benefit patients and healthcare systems globally.
Selected Grants as Principal Investigator
| Funding Scheme | Project Title | Approved Amount (HK$) |
|---|---|---|
| General Research Fund | A frailty-specific prehabilitation program for mild to moderately frail patients undergoing cardiac surgeries: A randomized sham-controlled trial | 1,234,158 |
| Teaching and Development Grant | Optimizing Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Clinical Reasoning Skills and Readiness for Clinical Practice | 243,350 |
| HKU Seed Fund for Basic Research | Evaluating the predictive value of cognitive frailty in older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation on health and health service utilization outcomes | 73,840 |
| HKU Seed Fund for Basic Research | A behavioral intervention for insomnia in patients with coronary artery disease on sleep, cardiometabolic and health outcomes: A mixed-methods study | 93,040 |
| Health and Medical Research Fund | The feasibility and acceptability of a prehabilitation program for pre-frail patients undergoing cardiac surgeries/procedures | 500,000 |
| HKU Seed Fund for Basic Research | A strength building Lifestyle integrated intervention for tackling double burden of sarcopenic patients with coronary artery disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial | 123,000 |
| HKU Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff | The effects of an empowerment-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia on sleep, cognitive function and health-related quality of life in persons with mild cognitive impairment: A mixed-method pilot study | 150,000 |
| HKU Start-up Fund | An internet-based cardiac rehabilitation enhancement (i-CARE) intervention to support self-care of patients with coronary artery disease: A mixed-method study | 1,850,000 |
| Pneumoconiosis Mutual Aid Association | A caregiver support program for family caregivers of patients with pneumoconiosis | 450,000 |
| General Research Fund | A nurse-coordinated integrated care model to support decision-making and self-care in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial | 664,264 |
| Health Care and Promotion Scheme | Promoting brain health among people with suboptimal cognitive functioning in Hong Kong: a brain vitality enhancement (BRAVE) program | 1,171,697 |
| Early Career Scheme | The effects of a modelling-based narrative intervention on care-seeking behavioural intention and prehospital care-seeking delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction | 1,060,154 |
| Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board | The experience of patients and family caregivers in managing pneumoconiosis in the family context: An exploratory qualitative study | 435,480 |
| Direct Grant | A multi-factorial model to explain sleep disturbances in patients with heart failure: a feasibility longitudinal study | 142,557 |
Selected Publications (*correspondence)
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Chan BS, Wong CWY, Wong CW, Chung H. i-CARE: A Smartphone-Based Intervention to Enhance Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Disease - A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 2025 Aug 11:zwaf509. Available from: doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf509
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Chan NY, Chiu SH, Leung JYH, Ye EQH, Cheng MHK. Resistance-based exercise intervention for patients with coronary artery disease and sarcopenia: a pilot randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 2025, 24(5), 736-745. Available from: doi: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf041
- Chan BS, , Yu DSF, Wong CWY, Li PWC*. Multi-modal interventions outperform nutritional or exercise interventions alone in reversing metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 2025, zwaf167, Available from: doi: org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf167
- Xiong C, Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Wong CWY. How the dyads of heart failure patients and their informal caregivers cope with the disease process: A qualitative evidence synthesis. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2025, 107:105065. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2025.105065
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, BP Yan. Nurse-led multi-component behavioral activation intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 2025, 18:e013236. Available from: doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.124.013236.
- Li PWC*, Wong CWY, Chan AKH. Improving cultural competency of healthcare providers to reduce prehospital delays in care-seeking among culturally and linguistically diverse populations. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2024. zvae142. Available from: doi: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvae142
- Yu DSF, Qiu C, Li PWC, Lau J, Riegel B. Effects of dyadic care interventions for heart failure on patients’ and caregivers’ outcomes: A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 157, 104829. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104829
- Wong CWY, Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Ho MH, Chan BS. Estimated prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in patients undergoing coronary artery or valvular surgeries/procedures: A systematic review and proportional meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews 2024. 96: 102266. Available from:doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102266
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF. Empowerment-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in persons with mild cognitive impairment: A sequential explanatory mixed-method pilot study. Journal of Sleep Research 2024. e14131. Available from: doi: 10.1111/jsr.14131
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Yan BP, Wong CW, Chan CMC. Theory-based cognitive–narrative intervention versus didactic education for promoting prompt care-seeking for acute myocardial infarction: A multisite mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2023. 148: 104564. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104564
- Xue D, Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Lin RSY. Combined exercise and cognitive interventions for adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2023. 147: 104592. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104592
- Wong CWY, Yu DSF, Li PWC*, Chan BS. The prognostic impacts of frailty on clinical and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery or valvular surgeries/procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews 2023. 85:101850. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101850
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Yan BP, Wong CW, Yue SCS, Chan CMC. Effects of a narrative-based psychoeducational intervention to prepare patients for responding to acute myocardial infarction: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open 2022. 5(10):e2239208. Available from: doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.39208
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Siu PM, Wong SCK, Chan BS. Peer-supported exercise intervention for persons with mild cognitive impairment: A waitlist randomized controlled trial (the BRAin Vitality Enhancement trial). Age and Ageing 2022. 51: 1–10. Available from: doi: 10.1093/ageing/afac213.
- Lin RSY, Yu DSF, Chau PH, Li PWC. Effects of an empowerment-based educative psycho-behavioral program on neuropsychiatric symptoms among persons with mild cognitive impairment: A mixed methods study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 2023; 137, 104381–104381. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104381
- Chan CMC, Lee MKY, Chan AKC, Hui ML, Li PWC*. Changing the model of care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Same-day discharge of patients undergoing elective invasive cardiac procedures in Hong Kong. Heart & Lung. 2021 Nov-Dec; 50(6): 919-925. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.08.001
- Lin RSY, Yu DSF, Li PWC, Chau PH, Lee JJ. Lived experience of neuropsychiatric symptoms among females with mild cognitive impairment: A phenomenological study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2022 Apr;78(4):1100-1111. Available from: doi: 10.1111/jan.15088
- Masika GM, Yu DSF, Li PWC, Lee DT, Nyundo A. Visual art therapy and cognition: Effects on people with mild cognitive impairment and low education level. Journal of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 2022 Jun 1;77(6):1051-1062. Available from: doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbab168
- Lin RSY, Yu DSF, Chau PH, Li PWC. An empowerment-psycho-behavioral program on neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with mild cognitive impairment: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2021 Aug;77(8):3507-3517. Available from: doi: 10.1111/jan.14871
- Li PWC, Yu DSF, Tam SYS. The Lived Experience of Patients and Family Caregivers in Managing Pneumoconiosis. Qualitative Health Research. 2021 Jul;31(9):1645-1656. Available from: doi: 10.1177/10497323211002819
- Lin RSY, Yu DSF, Li PWC, Masika GM. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms among persons with preclinical and mild dementia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2020 Nov;36(4):479-492. Available from: doi: 10.1002/gps.5460
- Masika GM, Yu DSF, Li PWC. Visual art therapy as a treatment option for cognitive decline among older adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2020 Aug;76(8):1892-1910. Available from: doi: 10.1111/jan.14362
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF, Chong SO, Lin RSY. A Systematic Review on the Effects of Nonpharmacological Sleep Interventions on Cardiometabolic Risk or Disease Outcomes. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2020 Mar;35(2):184-198. Available from: doi:10.1097/JCN.0000000000000662
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF. A modeling-based narrative intervention to promote timely care-seeking in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A pilot randomized controlled trial and feasibility analysis. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2019 Mar;18(3):215-23. Available from: doi: 10.1177/1474515118810126
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF. Predictors of pre-hospital delay in Hong Kong Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2018 Jan;17(1):75-84. Available from: doi:10.1177/1474515117718914
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF. Recognition of atypical symptoms of acute myocardial infarction: development and validation of a risk scoring system. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2017 Mar 1;32(2):99-106. Available from: doi:10.1097/JCN.0000000000000321
- Li PWC*, Yu DSF. Testing a model to reveal the predictive mechanism of care-seeking decisions among patients with acute myocardial infarction. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2017 Jul;32(4):393-400. Available from: doi:10.1097/JCN.0000000000000355
- Open Access Journal of Cardiology
- Annals of Nursing and Primary Care
- Honorary advisor, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
- External Advisor, School of Nursing, Tung Wah College
- Honorary Advisor, Care For Your Heart
| Year | Scholarship/ Award | Institution, Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Best Poster Award | Health Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region |
| 2021 | Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award | The American Heart Association |
| 2018 | Young Researcher Award | Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 2018 | Internationalization Faculty Mobility Scheme (Outbound) 2018-19 | Office of Academic Links, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 2016 | Best Oral Presentation Award | Sixth Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference and First Colloquium on Chronic Illness Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 2015 | Martha N. Hill New Investigator Award finalist | American Heart Association |
| 2015 | Best Oral Presentation Award | Second Cardiac Nursing Conference 2015, Hong Kong College of Cardiac Nursing / Hong Kong Cardiac Nursing Association |
| 2015 | Outstanding Thesis Award | The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 2013 | New Researcher Award | The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 2012 | HKAUW Dr. Thomas HC Cheung Postgraduate Scholarship | Hong Kong Association of University Women |