Personal profile
Biography
Dr Agnes Lai is an Associate Professor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. Dr Lai received her BN, DN, and PhD from The University of Hong Kong and her MSc (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is a registered nurse in HK and the USA, a fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing, a registered polysomnographic technologist, a cancer exercise specialist, and a certified Zentangle trainer.
Her research interest areas are two-fold, including clinical and preventive medicine in hospital and community settings. Her work focuses on brief, cost-effective self-management interventions to promote the self-care ability and well-being of the community's patients, individuals, and families.
She has broad experience conducting (i) randomised control trials on various chronic diseases (e.g. sleep apnea, lung cancer, COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and insomnia), (ii) epidemiology studies to update lung function reference values for adults, and (iii) capacity-building train-the-trainer workshops and large-scale community-based projects and health promotion activities to integrate physical activity into daily life and enhance holistic health.
Dr Lai also received 10 international and local awards and scholarships. Her achievement is recognized by conferring the "Excellence Research Award" from the Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR, Hong Kong and President's Awards for Distinguished Achievement.
Research interests
- Self-management
- Physical Activity
- Sleep-related problems
- Family well-being
- Respiratory Medicine
- Technology-based intervention
Qualifications
Appointments
She is a registered nurse in HK and the USA, a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing, a registered polysomnographic technologist, a certifified cancer exercise specialist and a certified Zentangle trainer.
Memberships
- Committee member, Hong Kong Respiratory Nursing College
- Committee member, CNE/ CPD Education Committee, Hong Kong Thoracic Society
- Committee member, The Hong Kong College of Medical Nursing
- Professional Advisor, Aberdeen Kai-Fong Welfare Association Social Service Center
Education/Academic qualification
Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Award Date: 30 Jun 2018
Doctor, Public Health
Award Date: 17 Dec 2017
Doctor of Nursing
Award Date: 27 Nov 2014
Master, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Award Date: 9 Dec 2004
Bachelor, Nursing, The University of Hong Kong
Award Date: 29 Nov 2001
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Behavioral Support by Ex-Smoking Peers Using Instant Messaging for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Guo, Z., Luk, T. T., Weng, X., Wu, Y., Zhao, S., Lai, Y. K., Cheung, D. Y. T., Tong, H. S. C., Lai, V. W. Y., Lam, T. H. & Wang, M. P., Jan 2026, In: Chest. 169, 1, p. 300-311 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
4 Citations (Scopus) -
Identification of Key Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women: Simulating Interventions
Hu, W., Chau, A. K. C., Wa, L. I. U. T., Fung, H. W., Lai, A. Y. K., Li, Z. & Wong, J. Y. H., 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: Research in Nursing and Health.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Interprofessional Community-Based Learning Through Home-Visit Practicum: Nursing and Physiotherapy Students' Experiences in Elderly Care in Hong Kong
YANG, W. L. C., LAI, Y. K. A., Hui, A. S. Y., SUN, Y., Lan, E. S. H., Wong, C. K. C., NG, M. T. & KWOK, T. O., 27 Feb 2026, 29th EAFONS 2026.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Mindfulness-Based Zentangle for Parental Depression and Anxiety: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial
Sun, Y., Xu, Y., Kwok, T. T. O., Sit, S. M. M. & Lai, A. Y. K., 6 Mar 2026, In: Mindfulness.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Mobile instant messaging supported brief physical exercise intervention for smoking cessation: a community-based, cluster randomised controlled trial
Zhao, S. Z., Li, M. Y., Li, Y. J., Luk, T. T., Cheung, D. Y. T., Lai, A. Y. K., Tong, H. S. C., Lai, V. W. Y., Lam, T. H. & Wang, M. P., 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: Thorax.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
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Exploring the Variability of Respiratory Phenotypes, Lung Function, and Biological Markers in Relation to Lifestyle Factors
LAI, Y. K. A. (PI), Tse, G. (CoI), Grace SUN Yuying (CoI), Kelvin CHAN Yuen Kwong (CoI), Queenie LAW Pui Sze (CoI), Quinncy Lee (CoI) & Tyrone KWOK Tai On (CoI)
27/03/26 → 26/03/30
Project: Research
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Interprofessional Education and Connected Care: A Home-Based Digital-Integrated Frailty Management Programme for Older Adults with Mild Impairments
LAI, Y. K. A. (PI), Annie SIU Yin Hui (CoI), Caroline YANG Wai Lam (CoI), Grace SUN Yu Ying (CoI), Penuel NG Man Tung (CoI) & Tyrone KWOK Tai On (CoI)
15/08/25 → 31/07/26
Project: Research
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A personalised active self-management of sleep apnea program (PASS) to improve positive airway pressure treatment uptake and adherence: A pilot randomized controlled trial
LAI, Y. K. A. (PI), Macy LUI Mei Sze (CoI), Mary IP Sau Man (CoI) & Tyrone KWOK Tai On (CoI)
1/08/25 → 31/07/26
Project: Research
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A Proactive Patient-centered Interactive Smartphone-based Self-Management Support Program to Enhance Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial with Mixed-method Evaluation
LAI, Y. K. A. (PI), CHENG Andy Shu-kei (CoI), CHEUNG Derek Yee-tak (CoI), Daniel LIU Xianliang (CoI), HO Fiona Yan-yee (CoI), HO Mandy Man (CoI), LAM David Chi-leung (CoI), LIT Maggie Pik-yee (CoI), NG Shu-wah (CoI), NGAI Shirley Pui-ching (CoI), WANG Kelvin Man-ping (CoI) & YU Doris Sau-fung (CoI)
1/01/25 → 30/06/27
Project: Research
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Capacity Building for enhancing Holistic Well-being
LAI, Y. K. A. (PI), Grace SUN Yuying (CoI) & Tyrone KWOK Tai On (CoI)
1/10/24 → 30/09/29
Project: Research
Activities
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The effectiveness of a Smart Sleep Apnoea Self-Management Support Program (4S) to improve patient activation and cardiovascular health risks in subjects with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
LAI, Y. K. A. (Speaker)
5 Sept 2025 → 10 Sept 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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A Phenomenological Study on the University Students’ Learning Experiences to Navigate the Digital Transformation of Higher Education
LAI, Y. K. A. (Speaker)
9 Jul 2025 → 11 Jul 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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A Digital Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based SMART Exercise Support Program to Improve Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer - A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
LAI, Y. K. A. (Speaker)
2 Jul 2025 → 6 Jul 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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A brief smartphone-based SMART Exercise Support Program to Improve Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer - A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
LAI, Y. K. A. (Speaker)
9 Jun 2025 → 13 Jun 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Smartphone-based Digital Intervention Enhancing Sleep Apnea Self-management: A Qualitative Feedback
LAI, Y. K. A. (Speaker)
11 Dec 2024 → 13 Dec 2024Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
Prizes
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Achieving MDGs for Global Health Scholarship, Fudan University, China
LAI, Y. K. A. (Recipient), 2013
Prize