DR. GENE WONG, MD

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This study looked at how pairing pharmacy students with mentors from different medical fields during their training affects their skills in teamwork and communication. After a month of working in clinics, students showed a notable improvement in their interprofessional skills, with an average increase of 0.8 points out of 10 across different areas, especially excelling in Collaborative Leadership. This matters because developing these teamwork skills helps future healthcare professionals work better together, which can lead to better patient care. Who this helps: Patients benefit from improved teamwork among healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) feel and behave, assessing 53 kids aged 6-18. It found that 47% of them faced emotional issues like somatisation (physical symptoms without a medical cause), and 32% struggled with depression and social skills. Importantly, children on kidney replacement therapy had a much higher risk of having difficulties in daily life skills compared to those with less severe CKD. Who this helps: This research benefits children with CKD and their families.

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This study looked at the effects of a new online postal self-sampling system for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in England, comparing testing rates before and after its implementation from 2015 to 2022. The findings revealed significant increases in testing: chlamydia and gonorrhea testing rates increased by 2.1 to 2.5 times, and HIV testing rates rose by 1.5 to 2.8 times in different areas after the new system was introduced. However, people in more deprived areas showed the lowest increase in testing, which highlights the need to ensure everyone knows about and can access this service equally. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those needing STI testing, and helps health services understand how to improve access for all groups.

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This study looked at how following a Mediterranean lifestyle can affect the risk of developing eye diseases that are common with aging, specifically cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Of nearly 114,000 people studied over about 10.5 years, those who adhered more closely to the Mediterranean lifestyle had a 1.5% lower risk of cataracts and a 2.4% lower risk of AMD for each point increase in their lifestyle score. This matters because it highlights that simple lifestyle choices can potentially help prevent serious eye diseases as people age. Who this helps: This benefits older adults and eye care professionals.

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This study examined a new program where Sustainability Pharmacy Assistants (SPAPs) help manage leftover medications in hospitals. Over three months, the pilot program saved nearly $20,000 at two hospitals, showing a return of $6.51 for every dollar invested if expanded to 12 hospitals. This is important because it not only cuts costs but also reduces medication waste, making the healthcare system more efficient and environmentally friendly. Who this helps: Patients and hospital staff benefit from lower costs and improved medication management.

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This study looked at how well general practice staff in England are supported in their workplace wellbeing. Researchers found 139 wellbeing services offered by healthcare boards and 53 more from targeted searches. However, many of these services focus on individual problems rather than addressing larger workplace issues. This matters because improving staff wellbeing is crucial for maintaining quality healthcare. Who this helps: This helps general practice staff and healthcare administrators.

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This study created a practical framework to help researchers conduct culturally aware research, especially with diverse groups. The team reviewed 41 studies and developed 25 clear recommendations on how to effectively include cultural considerations in research, making sure that factors like language and empowerment are prioritized. This framework is important because it provides researchers with a clear guide to ensure their work is fair and impactful for all communities. Who this helps: This helps researchers, policymakers, and community leaders work better with diverse patient groups.

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This study focused on adapting a program called Navigate-Kidney to help Latino patients with kidney failure who rely on dialysis. Researchers found that after using this program with 40 patients, there was a significant improvement in diet management, as measured by less weight gain between dialysis sessions. This matters because it shows that targeted support can help these patients manage their health better and overcome challenges they face. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney disease, especially those in Latino communities.

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This research looks at how regular exercise affects adults with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis. The study aims to find out if exercise can improve important health outcomes like overall survival, heart problems, tiredness, daily functioning, and feelings of depression. This matters because it can help determine if structured exercise is a beneficial part of treatment for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how to improve the care for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by using patient navigators. The researchers held a workshop with 38 participants from different backgrounds, revealing seven important strategies to successfully set up patient navigation programs. These strategies include securing funding to keep the programs running, supporting the mental health of navigators, and ensuring that navigators work closely with existing healthcare teams to help families make informed decisions about care. Who this helps: This benefits children with CKD and their families by improving their access to high-quality care.

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This study looked at how asthma remission is defined in children, a topic that hasn't been clearly established compared to adults. Researchers reviewed 29 studies and found that 79.3% focused on the absence of symptoms as the main sign of remission, with most definitions suggesting a remission period of 1 to 2 years. This matters because having clear and agreed-upon definitions can help improve treatment goals and outcomes for children with asthma. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in treating children with asthma.

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This research paper looks into the challenges faced by international medical graduates (IMGs) in the UK, particularly focusing on a significant disparity in training outcomes compared to local graduates, known as the 'award gap.' Currently, IMGs make up 41% of the UK medical workforce, and over 50% of those training as general practitioners (GPs) are IMGs. The study aims to gather existing information about what contributes to this gap, which is essential for improving training and support for IMGs in the future. Who this helps: This helps international medical graduates and the healthcare system by identifying ways to improve their training and outcomes.

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The study examined why ethnically diverse women in the UK struggle to access mental health care during and after pregnancy, despite many experiencing issues in this area. It was found that 20% of these women face mental health problems, but interactions with healthcare providers often lead to distrust, discrimination, and feelings of judgment, making them less likely to seek help. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards mental health and motherhood further complicate their access to services. Who this helps: This research benefits both patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better support and understanding of diverse cultural needs in mental health care.

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This study looked at how often prostate cancer patients receive genetic testing for specific harmful mutations and how long they wait to start new treatments. Researchers found that among 1,121 men with metastatic prostate cancer, about 17% of White patients and 15% of Black patients had these mutations, with non-White patients progressing to the next treatment the fastest, often within 17 months. Even though more patients are getting tested in recent years, the overall numbers are still too low, highlighting a need for improvement in care regardless of race. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metastatic prostate cancer who may need earlier treatment options.

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This study looked at the rising problem of wheat allergies in children, which is becoming more common, especially in Asia. It found that up to 50% of affected children could experience severe reactions like anaphylaxis, and diagnosed cases are increasing among kids aged 6 to 12 months. This information is important because it highlights the need for better detection methods and prevention strategies for wheat allergy, especially since wheat is a common food ingredient that's hard to avoid. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children with potential wheat allergies, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how first contact physiotherapists in the UK are supported in their work and what factors contribute to their stress and likelihood of leaving their jobs. The researchers found that unclear job roles and a lack of support made the job harder, increasing feelings of burnout among physiotherapists. Specifically, they identified 33 key areas where improvements could help, such as clearer job descriptions and better supervision. Who this helps: This benefits physiotherapists, patients needing musculoskeletal care, and healthcare organizations.

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This study looked at how to make cultural activities more inclusive for older adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds in the UK. Researchers found that to encourage participation, cultural organizations need to create welcoming environments, build trust, and develop lasting relationships. Specifically, these tailored approaches can lead to improved well-being and a stronger sense of identity among older participants. Who this helps: This helps older adults from global majority backgrounds looking to engage more with cultural activities.

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This study looked at how chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the daily lives of patients in Latin America. Researchers found that CKD patients often feel despair, loneliness, and face debilitating symptoms, which interfere with their ability to participate in social activities and achieve personal goals. They identified five main issues patients face, including feelings of hopelessness and challenges to their ambitions, suggesting that better support is needed to help these patients engage more fully in life. Who this helps: This benefits patients with CKD and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how to help people with mental health challenges improve their oral hygiene using a specific educational approach. They found that after a single oral health education session, participants showed a 21% improvement in plaque control, but this improvement leveled off over time. Although participants gained knowledge about oral health, maintaining motivation for long-term change will need ongoing support and resources. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health challenges improve their oral health.

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The study looked at how a new program called TIMES can help people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment sleep better, which can improve their overall daily living and well-being. Researchers are testing this program in 10 medical practices in England with 64 participants, split evenly between those receiving the TIMES intervention and those getting usual care. They aim to understand if this method is feasible and acceptable before launching a larger study, as better sleep management could lead to improved quality of life for these patients and their caregivers. Who this helps: This helps patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, along with their family caregivers.

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The BEAT-BK study investigates how to effectively treat BK polyomavirus infections in kidney transplant patients, which can lead to serious complications like kidney failure. The trial compares the usual method of lowering immunosuppressive drugs to a combination of this method with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), aiming to see if adding IVIg helps improve patient outcomes. This research matters because BKPyV affects 10%-15% of transplant recipients, and if not managed well, it can lead to more than a 50% risk of graft loss. Who this helps: This study benefits kidney and pancreas-kidney transplant patients.

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This study looked at how well guidelines for checking infections in organ donors work across different hospitals. It found that while recommendations for common infections like hepatitis B and C, and HIV were largely consistent, there were many gaps regarding emerging infections and the effectiveness of some screening tests. Improving how these guidelines are developed and used is important to ensure that more organs can be safely used for transplants while reducing the risk of infections. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers involved in organ transplantation.

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This study looked at how to help people with mental health challenges improve their oral care routines, particularly daily tooth brushing. Researchers found that participants who used tools like videos and brushing diaries were more successful in building a daily habit of brushing teeth, and linking this habit to existing routines, like taking medication, was particularly helpful. Improving oral health in this group is important because people with mental illnesses often have worse oral health than the general population, which can lead to other health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health challenges and their caregivers.

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Researchers studied the monkeypox virus in the Central African Republic (CAR) and found new genetic information about the virus from outbreaks between 2019 and 2024. They discovered 26 new nearly complete virus genomes, which showed that while the virus remains fairly similar within CAR, there are now more sub-types and greater diversity than before. This is important because it helps to understand how the virus evolves and spreads, which can improve response efforts to future outbreaks. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers working to control and treat monkeypox.

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This study looked at two types of stents—balloon-expandable (BX) and self-expanding—used in arteries to keep them open after procedures like balloon angioplasty. Researchers compared how these stents perform based on their materials, shape, and coatings, using real-world data from patients. They found that these physical features significantly affect how well stents work, which is important for choosing the right stent for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients needing stent procedures and doctors who decide which stent to use.

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This research looked at the work experiences of people undergoing dialysis and found that many face challenges that make it hard for them to hold jobs. Among 1,374 participants from 37 studies, issues like low energy, cognitive difficulties, and a demanding treatment schedule were common, leading to financial strain and feelings of stigma from employers. However, workplaces that offered support and made adjustments could help these individuals maintain their employment and improve their mental well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving dialysis and their employers.

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This study looked at how the time taken to connect the blood vessels during kidney transplants (called anastomotic time) affects patient and kidney health after the procedure. The analysis of nearly 156,000 transplants found that longer connection times generally led to higher rates of delayed kidney function and lower success rates for kidney transplants after one and five years. Understanding this relationship is important because it can guide surgical practices to improve transplant outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving kidney transplants and the doctors performing the surgeries.

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This study focuses on how doctors who treat kidney patients can predict how long their patients are likely to live. It highlights traditional methods used to estimate survival times, which help doctors make important decisions about treatments like starting dialysis or considering kidney transplants. Understanding these prediction techniques is vital because it can significantly influence patient care and outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits kidney patients and the doctors who treat them.

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This research looked at how healthcare workers in Britain view the roles of nurses and midwives in providing abortion care. Out of 763 participants, 71.6% agreed that specialist nurses should be able to prescribe medications and perform surgical abortions, while support was lower for midwives (35.8%) and primary care nurses (32.5%). This is important because expanding the roles of specialized nurses could help improve access to abortion services and enhance patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking abortion services and healthcare providers involved in reproductive care.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of stopping treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Out of over 2,000 patients, only 17% lost the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after ten years without treatment, while more than half needed to restart their medication. Patients with lower HBsAg levels before stopping treatment did better, achieving a 52% loss rate, whereas those with high HBsAg levels or a history of liver cirrhosis should continue treatment to avoid serious complications. Who this helps: This research is valuable for patients with chronic hepatitis B and their doctors, as it informs treatment decisions based on individual patient circumstances.

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This study investigated how abortion services in the UK can be better organized to meet people’s needs amid changing conditions. Researchers collected data from 48 recent abortion patients and 771 health professionals, finding that there is strong support for easing current regulations around who can provide abortions and where they can be performed. Patients expressed general satisfaction with the services but suggested improvements like quicker access to care and more emotional support. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking abortions and the healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study looked at how to improve support for doctors facing performance issues, finding that between 6% and 12% of doctors struggle with their work. Researchers conducted 45 interviews and six workshops, identifying six key principles that make support effective, such as the importance of trust and a positive workplace culture. This is important because better support can lead to better healthcare quality and safety for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare organizations improve performance and support systems.

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This study looked at how physician associates (PAs) are trained, integrated, and supported in hospitals across England and Scotland. Researchers interviewed 134 people, including PAs and doctors, and found that while PAs are valued for their skills, their career progression is often inconsistent and dependent on local leadership and support. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that PAs can effectively contribute to patient care and that the NHS can use them sustainably. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare teams by improving the integration and effectiveness of PAs in hospitals.

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This study looked at a new treatment called TAR-200 for patients in the U.S. with a type of aggressive bladder cancer that does not respond to standard treatment. The research found that 43.5% of patients using TAR-200 managed to maintain a complete response for at least 12 months, which is much higher compared to other treatments like pembrolizumab (18.8%) and valrubicin (10.1%). Importantly, using TAR-200 saved patients a considerable amount of money, about $698,262 less per responder compared to pembrolizumab. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high-risk bladder cancer who have not responded to other treatments.

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This study looked at how well tools that measure the health and well-being of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) work. Researchers found 307 different tools in 175 studies involving over 21,000 children, but only a small percentage were properly tested for reliability. Most commonly used was the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, which was used in 50% of the studies, yet about 40% of the tools haven't been verified for accuracy in this patient group. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families by improving the way their health outcomes are measured and understood in pediatric CKD care.

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This study looked at how people with multiple sclerosis (MS) feel about regularly sharing their health experiences through structured questionnaires known as Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Out of 33 participants, the results showed that many appreciated having their health experiences listened to, felt empowered by the process, and valued knowing their doctors were reviewing their responses. However, participants also pointed out that PROMs could be improved by adding open-ended questions and ensuring doctors were prepared to discuss the results. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at a program called "JoyAge" designed to help older adults in Hong Kong who are at risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Researchers found that after 12 months, those participating in JoyAge experienced a significant drop in depressive symptoms (about 1.65 points less), anxiety (1.47 points less), and loneliness (1.29 points less) compared to those receiving usual care. This is important because it shows that a structured program can effectively support mental health in older adults, especially in places where mental health resources are limited. Who this helps: Older adults at risk of depression and those who care for them.

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This study looked into how to improve palliative care for patients with heart failure, particularly those who are underserved and often face avoidable hospital visits. The researchers found that integrated palliative care and heart failure services work best when providers are motivated and equipped to make changes, but many existing studies focused mainly on the experiences of healthcare professionals, mostly in the USA. To address these issues in the UK, they planned to gather real-life data from various integrated services, which will help create a guide for better service implementation and support a network for ongoing improvement. Who this helps: This research helps patients with heart failure and their caregivers by aiming to improve the care they receive.

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This study looked at how structural stigma, or the big-picture discrimination related to race, mental health, and substance use, affects people's ability to show up for healthcare appointments. Researchers interviewed 61 healthcare workers and individuals with experience in these areas in the UK. They found that stigma creates barriers that lead to missed appointments, highlighting the need for policies that address these systemic issues to improve healthcare access and experiences for everyone involved. Who this helps: This helps patients facing stigma, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This research focused on creating a standard way to measure how children's lives are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). It involved 171 participants, including 79 children and caregivers and 92 health professionals from 16 countries, who discussed what factors are important for assessing life participation. The findings highlighted the need for a measure that is meaningful to patients, considers their unique circumstances, and can be used consistently across various stages of CKD, which will ultimately improve how care is tailored to these children. Who this helps: This helps children with chronic kidney disease and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how peer-tutors with dementia help guide courses at Recovery Colleges in the UK, which provide support for people newly diagnosed with dementia. Researchers found that attendees felt more hopeful and less ashamed of their condition when peer-tutors shared their experiences and facilitated discussions. Specifically, participants were able to connect with others and cope with their emotions better through these interactions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with dementia by providing them a supportive community and practical strategies for adapting to their diagnosis.

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This study looked at ways to combine two approaches for evaluating health and social care programs: one focused on understanding what works and for whom, and the other focused on the costs and effectiveness of these programs. The researchers found that while more evaluations are trying to combine these approaches, there are still few examples, and significant challenges remain in doing so effectively. This matters because merging these evaluations can help policymakers make better decisions that ensure services are both effective and affordable. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and healthcare providers who want to improve service delivery while managing costs.

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The study looked at how well the characteristics of organ donors match with those of the recipients and how this affects access to transplants and health outcomes after the surgery. It found that better matching leads to quicker access to transplants and improved recovery, although specific numbers are not provided in the abstract. This matters because matching is essential for successful transplants and can reduce waiting time for patients in need of organs. Who this helps: Patients awaiting organ transplants.

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This study compared the environmental impact of two types of peritoneal dialysis: incremental and full-dose. Researchers found that incremental dialysis produces 25% less carbon dioxide, uses 1,458 fewer liters of water, generates 59 kg less landfill waste, and has less gray water and recyclable waste compared to full-dose dialysis over a median follow-up of 20 months. This is important because it shows that using incremental dialysis can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of treatment for kidney disease. Who this helps: Patients undergoing dialysis and healthcare providers focused on sustainable practices.

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This study looked at a program in Kenya aimed at improving newborn care by creating network systems among health professionals. Researchers found that successful networks evolve through three stages: starting up, performing well, and maintaining change, highlighting the importance of teamwork, communication, and strong relationships. Knowing how these networks work helps improve health care quality and service delivery for newborns. Who this helps: This benefits health care providers working to enhance newborn care practices.

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This study looked at how health visiting services in the UK have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers reviewed 118 documents and found that the pandemic had a widely uneven impact on babies and families, with concerns from both families and health visitors. They noted that while digital services are important for continuity, in-person visits are crucial for effective health support. This research underscores the need for better support and funding for health visiting services, particularly to address inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits families with young children, health visitors, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how the quality of life related to health changes for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) over four years. Researchers found that patients on dialysis experienced a decline in their overall quality of life scores by 0.06 points, while those who received kidney transplants did not see significant changes, although they had increased challenges with mobility and daily activities. Understanding these changes is important for improving care strategies and economic planning for kidney disease treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with CKD and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well doctors are following guidelines for managing cholesterol levels in patients who have had a serious heart event called an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It found that many patients are not reaching the target cholesterol levels recommended by guidelines, with specific numbers showing that lipid-lowering treatments are often not used enough after ACS. Improving how cholesterol is managed after these heart events is essential because it can help lower the chances of future heart problems. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced a heart attack or related conditions.

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This research explored how physician assistants (PAs) are used in hospitals, focusing on lessons learned from other countries to improve the way PAs are integrated into teams in the UK. The study found 56 key insights about PAs' roles, including that clear roles reduce conflicts in teams, and that strong organizational support and a positive team culture enhance their acceptance and effectiveness. This is important because it helps shape better healthcare delivery in a system facing workforce shortages, guiding NHS managers in implementing new reforms. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare teams by improving care and teamwork in hospitals.