A pioneering collaboration between the National University of Singapore and Cerner Enviza has launched Project Golden Years, a comprehensive qualitative study examining shifting attitudes and behaviors towards dementia prevention in Singapore's population.
The research initiative, led by Professor Feng Lei from the Department of Psychological Medicine at the National University of Singapore, marks a significant step forward in understanding community perspectives on dementia prevention through real-world evidence gathering.
Real-World Evidence Meets Qualitative Research
The study employs sophisticated qualitative research methodologies to capture authentic patient experiences and behavioral patterns. This approach represents a growing trend in pharmaceutical research, where traditional clinical data is complemented by in-depth qualitative insights.
"Qualitative real-world evidence provides crucial context that numbers alone cannot capture," explains Jeanette Hodgson, Global Head of Qualitative Strategy at Cerner Enviza. "Understanding patient behaviors and attitudes is essential for developing effective prevention strategies."
Innovation in Research Methodology
The project stands out for its comprehensive approach to data collection, incorporating:
- Stakeholder preference studies
- Patient experience documentation
- Behavioral pattern analysis
- Cultural context evaluation
Marjorie Leclerc, Senior Director and RWE Qualitative Lead at Cerner Enviza, emphasizes the importance of this methodology: "By combining rigorous qualitative research with real-world evidence, we're able to understand not just what people do, but why they do it."
Regional Impact and Future Applications
Regina Gowindah, APAC Head of Qualitative & Behavioural Science at Cerner Enviza, highlights the regional significance: "Singapore's unique demographic and cultural landscape makes it an ideal setting for understanding how communities approach dementia prevention."
The findings from Project Golden Years will be disseminated through the ELICIT podcast series, providing healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights into evolving approaches to dementia prevention and management.
This research initiative represents a crucial step forward in combining academic expertise with real-world evidence methodology, potentially influencing future approaches to dementia prevention and public health strategies across Asia and beyond.
