This article is part of a captivating series on Sigma members who have recently achieved one of the highest honors in the field of nursing research: induction into Sigma’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
Today, I am a full professor at the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (ALCNS), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), but my humble beginnings as a nurse researcher started in China, where I was part of a pioneering batch of undergraduate students to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Recognized for my exceptional performance, I was awarded by the China Medical Board of New York a full scholarship to pursue my master’s degree in nursing at Chang Mai University, Thailand. Fueled by my desire to contribute to the advancement of healthcare practices, I went on to pursue my PhD studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and was honored to be offered yet another full scholarship. As the first nursing student from China to graduate with a PhD from CUHK, this pivotal moment marked the beginning of my research-focused career, where I aimed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
My research focuses on chronic illness and long-term care, with specific emphasis on cardiovascular health, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes management, and active aging. The field of cardiovascular has always fascinated me, as the heart is responsible for giving us life. As my experience grew, I took interest in significant healthcare issues and my interest expanded further to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and how to promote active aging. I also specialize in instrument development and validation, advanced psychometric analysis, and nursing education.
After over 30 years of experience in clinical nursing and education, my inspiration has never wavered, stemming from a deep-rooted passion to elevate healthcare standards and make a lasting impact on patient care. Holding esteemed positions at renowned institutions in various countries such as the Nethersole School of Nursing at CUHK in Hong Kong; the School of Health Sciences at Macao Polytechnic University in Macao; Faculty of Nursing at Xi'an Jiaotong University in China; and most recently, NUS in Singapore, has equipped me with unique insights into research problems. By integrating solutions from different countries and adapting them to the local culture, novel interventions can be developed to address pertinent issues. To be able to tackle important problems faced by both patients and healthcare teams using the available resources is both rewarding and meaningful. Adopting an anticipatory approach to clinical problems, I strive to address the current gaps in practice and organize innovative technologies and resources to deliver responsive healthcare services.
My research primarily involves the development of novel interventions targeting different aspects of chronic illness management and long-term care. The importance of my research to the nursing field cannot be overstated. There is an ongoing increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and an increasing number of people are struggling to cope with their condition. The management of chronic illness and long-term care is a multifaceted problem requiring a holistic approach. Developing novel solutions that target problems faced by patients and the healthcare team at various phases of the chronic condition with a multidisciplinary team is vital. My research holds the potential to revolutionize patient care by integrating toolkits, educational materials, and newly developed mobile apps into healthcare organizations. These resources can enhance support for patients with chronic illnesses, fostering self-management and empowering them to lead healthier lives. Through collaborations with major healthcare organizations, my ultimate goal is to create an ecosystem of innovative and cost-effective community resources, behavioral change programs, and healthcare service delivery models that cater to the unique needs of diverse communities and populations.
The pinnacle of recognition for my contributions came when I was inducted into Sigma's International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor not only symbolizes a new personal achievement but also serves as validation for the impact of my research on the nursing profession. It further affirms my dedication to advancing nursing knowledge and practice, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of nursing research and education.
Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the future possibilities in nursing research. My plan is to collaborate with scholars from various disciplines such as computing sciences, software engineering, and health economics (both locally and internationally) to design innovative digital health solutions. The emerging potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in healthcare is particularly intriguing, and I am eager to explore its application in chronic illness management. By leveraging machine learning and adaptive feedback loops, AI has the capacity to enhance patients’ care by not only aiding in halting disease complications but also allowing for the effective deployment of individualized resources to patients.
I hope that my life story inspires other nurses to join me in the pursuit of excellence in nursing research—to boldly venture into areas that no one has explored and to think of innovative ways to make the world a better place.
Wang Wenru is a professor at the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (ALCNS), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and a member of Sigma’s Upsilon Eta Chapter.