Jan Greene

Sharp rise in prenatal cannabis use in communities where retail sales were allowed

November 1, 2024

Following the legalization of recreational cannabis use and the start of retail sales in California, rates of prenatal cannabis use increased sharply among pregnant individuals who lived in cities or counties that permitted cannabis retailers, according to new Kaiser Permanente research.

Hot flash frequency linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes

October 31, 2024

Greater risk of developing diabetes found in those reporting frequent vasomotor symptoms related to menopause, Kaiser Permanente study finds.

More women, young adults being diagnosed with autism

October 30, 2024

A large analysis of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses over more than 10 years finds significant increases in young adults, women, and children in some racial or ethnic groups.

Segregated neighborhoods linked to depression, anxiety in pregnancy

October 25, 2024

Neighborhood segregation stemming from institutional racism against Black Americans may be related to depression and anxiety in pregnancy, according to new Kaiser Permanente research.

Higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in babies too young for vaccine

October 24, 2024

An analysis of unvaccinated children who had COVID-19 found they were more likely to be hospitalized if they were 6 months old or younger, and more likely to be treated in an intensive care unit at ages 12 to 17.

No link found between prenatal cannabis use and early childhood disorders

October 18, 2024

New analyses of maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy find no evidence of increased risk of early developmental delays up to age 5 or of autism spectrum disorder.

Innovative approaches to prevent dementia funded by $28.8 million federal grant

October 8, 2024

Kaiser Permanente researchers are participating in 5-year, multi-site research project.

COVID-19 may trigger chronic fatigue syndrome

September 18, 2024

A study following patients with symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in 2022 found 14% of them developed symptoms after having COVID-19.

Researchers urge bundled screening for TB and chronic hepatitis B

September 9, 2024

Focused testing for tuberculosis (TB) and chronic hepatitis B infection of patients who were born outside the United States in countries with high TB and hepatitis B burden could identify many patients who may need prevention or treatment.

Depression, anxiety improve in patients enrolled in care personalized to their symptoms

September 6, 2024

A study comparing traditional psychiatric treatment of depression and anxiety with a team-based collaborative care approach found that patients in both models saw significant improvement of their symptoms, but the improvement was even stronger in the collaborative care approach.

Researchers explore how to get telemedicine to more non-English speakers

August 22, 2024

Mandarin-speaking patients who used telehealth told researchers they appreciate phone and video visits but have suggestions for improvement.

Delivery science bloomed under Division of Research Director Tracy Lieu

August 12, 2024

Tracy Lieu steps down as director of the Division of Research after a dozen transformative years leading an expansion of delivery science programs.

Soda tax associated with drop in children’s weight

July 31, 2024

Young people living in 4 Northern California cities that began taxing sugar-sweetened beverages had lower body mass index (BMI) percentiles compared with young people living in cities without the tax.

Reduced death rate from colorectal cancer with FIT screening

July 25, 2024

An analysis of Kaiser Permanente patients in California found a 33% reduced risk of dying of colorectal cancer for those taking at least one fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening.

Patients with dementia saw big increase in telehealth use during pandemic

July 24, 2024

Many patients with dementia have continued to use phone and video visits for their primary care following the COVID-19 pandemic according to new analysis.

Cannabis in pregnancy linked to some maternal health problems

July 22, 2024

Cannabis use during pregnancy is linked with health problems such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and weight issues, according to a large new Kaiser Permanente study.

5 Questions for . . . Karen Jacobson

June 26, 2024

Karen Jacobson, MD, MPH, expected to study global health, but the COVID-19 pandemic shifted her focus to vaccines, and she joined the Vaccine Study Center as a research scientist.

Parents benefit from virtual group prenatal care, study suggests

May 21, 2024

A virtual group prenatal care option, delivered by webinar along with in-person visits, resulted in pregnant patients having the same or better outcomes as patients who received virtual and in-person care on an individual basis.

Study offers clues to which people with HIV may experience suicidal thoughts

May 14, 2024

People with HIV were more likely to report suicidal thoughts if they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, misused stimulants, or reported use of multiple substances, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente and the University of California San Francisco.

Research suggests tie between hypertension, uterine fibroids

April 16, 2024

The study suggests treating hypertension could play a role in preventing fibroids, a common condition for which there is currently no preventive treatment.

Algorithm can label messages to physicians to streamline review process

April 4, 2024

An artificial intelligence (AI) powered system that categorizes patient messages assisted regional staff in resolving about a third of the messages so they never reached the inboxes of busy doctors.

Comparison of fibroid treatment finds surgical removal has fewest follow-up procedures

March 28, 2024

Uterine fibroids are a common, non-cancerous condition that can be treated using several different methods that preserve the uterus. A long-term review of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) patients finds varying rates of follow-up procedures.

Medical records, AI offer clues for spotting suicide risk

March 27, 2024

A computer model trained on medical records and applied to the past medical history of nearly a million Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients was able to identify many patients at risk for later suicide attempts.

Childhood adversity and low resilience may increase odds of depression, anxiety in pregnancy

February 29, 2024

In a new Kaiser Permanente study of pregnant patients, those with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were more likely to develop a new diagnosis of depression or anxiety during pregnancy, as were those with low resilience.

Decision support trial reflects challenges of expanding HIV prevention

February 27, 2024

A targeted messaging system to alert primary care physicians before a visit with a patient who might be at risk for contracting HIV resulted in a significant increase in referrals for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by those doctors who also see people with HIV as part of their practice.

Study explores weight gain with HIV treatment

February 6, 2024

A unique study comparing people with HIV starting antiretroviral medication treatment (ART) with demographically similar people without HIV found greater weight gain over 2 years in those with HIV.

Pregnant patients in deprived neighborhoods more likely to develop gestational diabetes

February 1, 2024

Pregnant patients living in a deprived neighborhood are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, and the likelihood increases the more economically and socially deprived a neighborhood is, according to new Kaiser Permanente research.

Pharmacists help people with serious mental illness overcome barriers to good health

January 29, 2024

Telehealth visits with a specially trained pharmacist resulted in better medication adherence and diabetes screening for people with serious mental illness who are enrolled in an innovative Kaiser Permanente Northern California program.

Helping patients manage chronic pain may improve both mental, physical health

January 22, 2024

Teaching people with chronic pain how to manage their medical care and use non-medication alternatives for pain may improve overall health and reduce depression, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente.

Study of dementia and healthy brain aging in Black Americans extended for 5 years

January 18, 2024

The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will be funded for another 5 years by the National Institute on Aging, with a $24 million grant.

Certain people with HIV may need more help to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease

January 16, 2024

The well-established higher risk of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV compared with people without HIV is more pronounced in key subgroups – people with HIV and controlled hypertension, those with inadequately treated cholesterol, and those with a history of frequent unhealthy alcohol use.

Analysis reveals genetic clues to basal cell carcinoma risk

January 10, 2024

A large genetic analysis by Kaiser Permanente investigators identified 122 variations in the human genome related to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 36 of them new.

Large study of shingles vaccine finds strong effectiveness over 4 years

January 8, 2024

The vaccine currently used to protect people against shingles maintains strong effectiveness over 4 years post-vaccination, according to a Kaiser Permanente-led research study.

Kaiser Permanente coordinates real-world demonstrations of AI, machine learning in health care

December 18, 2023

The Kaiser Permanente Augmented Intelligence in Medicine and Healthcare Initiative (AIM-HI) Coordinating Center awarded 5 health care organizations with funding to pursue research projects deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance diagnostic decision-making in health care.

Hospital may be a good place to help patients stop smoking

December 15, 2023

An electronic reminder to recommend smoking cessation therapy to hospitalized patients substantially increased the number of people getting therapy and was related to a 5% increase in patients who said they stopped smoking tobacco.

Flublok vaccine improved protection from flu for older adults

December 13, 2023

A higher-dose flu vaccine using recombinant technology was associated with 15% fewer flu cases in older patients than the commonly used, standard-dose flu vaccine.

Cannabis use in pregnancy may raise infant health risks

November 27, 2023

A large Kaiser Permanente study of more than 360,000 mothers and infants found increased likelihood of low birthweight and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for babies whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.

Neighborhood disadvantage linked to postpartum depression

November 13, 2023

Mothers living in neighborhoods with greater economic disadvantage are more likely to experience depression after giving birth, according to a Kaiser Permanente analysis published in JAMA Network Open.

Study confirms significant waning of original shingles vaccine over 10 years

November 8, 2023

The original vaccine against shingles — Zostavax, a live shingles vaccine no longer used in the U.S. — is effective in the first year after vaccination but wanes significantly over the following decade, according to a study by Kaiser Permanente’s Vaccine Study Center published in the journal BMJ.

Asthma, obesity during pregnancy linked to autism in children

October 20, 2023

Mothers with asthma or obesity during pregnancy had higher rates of children diagnosed with autism, according to a new Kaiser Permanente analysis.

Telehealth primary care outcomes remained steady well into 2021

October 16, 2023

New research finds patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic had similar medical outcomes whether they saw their doctor in-person or virtually.

5 Questions for . . . Kelly Young-Wolff

October 5, 2023

Researcher Kelly Young-Wolff credits early experiences helping people with substance use problems with setting her on a path to studying health issues and policy.

Most telehealth users say they are interested in using it again

September 21, 2023

A survey of 1,000 Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients who used a phone or video visit to see their primary care doctor in 2020 found that most were satisfied with their visit, and two-thirds are interested in using telemedicine again.

Predicting psychosis risk to reduce its burden

September 13, 2023

Psychiatrist Matthew Hirschtritt discusses his project to identify patients who might have increased risk for psychosis, a serious mental health disorder.

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research receives $62M in federal funds to study children’s health

September 6, 2023

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (DOR) investigators received a large infusion of federal funding to support research about environmental factors that influence children’s health.

5 Questions for . . . Jennifer Ames

August 24, 2023

Autism investigator Jennifer Ames thought she’d go to medical school, but a research assistant job shifted her trajectory into research.

Teens in less-privileged neighborhoods more likely to report depression, suicidality

August 21, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 35,000 Northern California teens found higher rates of depression and suicidality among those living in less economically and racially privileged neighborhoods.

Syndemics: Untangling a complex mix of HIV, heart disease, social issues

August 16, 2023

This episode of KP Research Radio podcast features investigators at the Division of Research who are using a method called syndemics to examine the complex ways that biological, social, and other factors interact to increase the risk of heart disease for a person living with HIV.

Pregnant patients seek open-minded support from doctors on cannabis

August 10, 2023

People who have used legal cannabis during pregnancy say they would welcome non-judgmental advice from their doctors about its possible negative side effects, according to new focus group research led by Kaiser Permanente Northern California researchers.

Autism-related traits more likely in children of mothers with prenatal depression

August 1, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of parents and their children in communities across the country finds a greater likelihood of autism-related traits in children of mothers who experienced depression while they were pregnant.

Podcast: Using metabolomics to understand gestational diabetes

July 26, 2023

This KP Research Radio podcast explores the use of metabolomics to predict who will get gestational diabetes, and why.

Similar outcomes for pregnant patients who received prenatal care in-person or in a combination of telehealth and in-person visits

July 18, 2023

Pregnant patients who received some of their prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic in a combination of virtual and in-office visits had similar health outcomes as those who were seen mostly in person before the pandemic.

No serious side effects for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in young children

June 6, 2023

A review of more than 245,000 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given to young children (most of them age 4 and younger) found no indications of serious side effects.

Study finds more patients sought addiction treatment for drug use during early pandemic

May 19, 2023

More Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients sought out addiction treatment during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with a similar period in 2019.

Working at a mentally challenging job linked to lower chance of later cognitive decline

April 14, 2023

A new study from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigators suggests one factor in late-life cognitive decline may be how intellectually challenging a person’s job is.

COVID-19 vaccination was effective in children, adolescents during 2021

April 7, 2023

A large study of U.S. children and teens who received the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine finds that it was effective through much of 2021, but waned over time, especially as the omicron variant became dominant in 2022. Teens who received a booster dose regained some protection.

Doctors less likely to ask women about their drinking

March 29, 2023

Among patients who reported problem levels of drinking alcohol, women were less likely than men to have a conversation with their doctors about it, according to a study in the journal Addiction from Kaiser Permanent researchers.

Widely used triage method overestimates severity of a quarter of emergency department patients

March 17, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente study looking at the application of the Emergency Severity Index — a method commonly used to triage emergency department patients — found some imprecision, suggesting there may be an opportunity for the ESI to be updated.

COVID-19 vaccination of mother during pregnancy protects infant, though protection wanes

February 28, 2023

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy provides protection for the baby through its first several months of life, a Kaiser Permanente analysis finds. Protection was stronger against the delta variant than the more recent omicron variant.

Intimate partner violence jumped early in pandemic

February 22, 2023

Pregnant Kaiser Permanente patients were more likely to report intimate partner violence or living in unstable or unsafe situations during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.

Children’s pandemic screen time rose nearly 2 hours per day

February 15, 2023

Children increased their screen time by nearly 2 hours per day after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an hour of that increase persisted even after some restrictions had eased, according to a new analysis in JAMA Network Open by Kaiser Permanente researchers.

State-level educational quality linked to risk of dementia

February 13, 2023

People attending schools in states with higher state-level educational quality are less likely to develop dementia in late life, according to a new Kaiser Permanente analysis published in JAMA Neurology.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery results in good birth outcomes

February 2, 2023

People who had bariatric surgery to address obesity and later became pregnant had less risk of poor outcomes such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, in comparison with similar pregnant patients who did not have the surgery.

Alcohol check-in at primary care visit may benefit other conditions

January 30, 2023

Patients with hypertension and unhealthy alcohol use were more likely to see a decline in their blood pressure if they were asked about their alcohol drinking habits and provided a brief intervention during a visit with their primary care team, according to new Kaiser Permanente research.

Telemedicine gets boost from pandemic-era study

January 27, 2023

An analysis of Kaiser Permanente Northern California telehealth visits that took place early in the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that handling routine health concerns by phone or video is a safe and effective option alongside in-person visits.

Study finds little evidence of link between autistic traits and PFAS environmental chemicals

January 12, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of prenatal exposure to the persistent environmental chemicals known as PFAS found suggestive evidence of an association with autism-related traits in children for just 1 of 8 PFAS chemicals studied.

Patients more likely to start treatment for alcohol problems during early pandemic

December 28, 2022

A Kaiser Permanente study finds more patients starting treatment for an alcohol problem in the pandemic, during a transition to telehealth, suggesting some may be more comfortable with a video or phone visit.

5 Questions for . . . Monique Hedderson

December 20, 2022

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigator Monique Hedderson was going to be a doctor, but a college job introduced her to epidemiology and she never turned back.

Cannabis legalization may have made use easier in pregnancy

December 14, 2022

California’s legalization of cannabis for adult-use may have reduced the stigma of using cannabis products during pregnancy and made them easier to obtain, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente investigators.

Seeking the best tests for babies with fever

December 7, 2022

New Kaiser Permanente research suggests a national clinical guideline on evaluating infant fever may not be ideal in all health care settings.

5 Questions for . . . Mary Reed

November 22, 2022

Longtime DOR investigator Mary Reed didn’t expect to go into research, but she has built an important niche studying health information technology’s impact on health care at Kaiser Permanente.

Helping patients with addiction tackle their health needs

November 10, 2022

Teaching patients who are in addiction treatment to work with their primary care medical team on both mental and physical health concerns resulted in long-term benefits over 5 years, including more primary care use and fewer emergency department visits, Kaiser Permanente researchers have found.

Public health group honors Kaiser Permanente researcher with Young Professional Award

November 3, 2022

Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, a clinical psychologist and Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigator who studies substance use among vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, was awarded the 2022 Young Professional Award by the American Public Health Association (APHA) Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Section.

Link between commonly used chemicals, gestational diabetes

October 13, 2022

Pregnant people may have increased risk of gestational diabetes if they have higher exposure to phenols, common chemicals used in food packaging and many consumer products, according to Kaiser Permanente research.

Early control of blood sugar key for gestational diabetes

September 29, 2022

Pregnant patients treated for gestational diabetes had better birth outcomes if they rapidly improved their blood sugar levels soon after diagnosis rather than having slow or no improvement, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente.

Intervening with at-risk adolescents shows long-term benefits

September 27, 2022

A long-term Kaiser Permanente study following 1,851 adolescents who reported substance use or mood problems at a pediatric clinic found those who had access to a brief intervention and referral to treatment were less likely to have a related diagnosis 7 years later, in their 20s.

5 Questions for . . . Hélène Choquet

September 8, 2022

Researcher Hélène Choquet, PhD, was in college studying biology when she heard about the first complete sequencing of the human genome; her interest in genetics has led her to a career exploring the genome for the origins of disease.

Threshold for problem drinking identified in Kaiser Permanente study

August 24, 2022

Five or more days of heavy drinking in a 3-month period predicts an increased likelihood that a person will develop a severe alcohol use disorder, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente.

Exposure to small children linked to lower risk of severe COVID-19

July 27, 2022

Adults with young children – and exposure to their colds – were less likely to have severe illness from COVID-19 than similar adults without children, a Kaiser Permanente study finds.

Shorter wait between COVID-19 and elective surgery possible

July 19, 2022

Kaiser Permanente researchers have good news for patients, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and hospital administrators who have had to put off elective surgery because of a positive COVID-19 test. Among fully vaccinated patients, there may not be an elevated risk with surgery soon after COVID-19.

Early antibiotics for sepsis supported in new study

June 27, 2022

A large multi-hospital analysis found that early antibiotics in sepsis patients resulted in improved health outcomes for them without posing unintended consequences for others, such as expanding overall antibiotic use or worsening antibiotic resistance.

Messages from doctors increased COVID-19 vaccination among Black, Latino elders

June 17, 2022

Elderly Black and Latino people were more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccination after they received an email or letter from their Kaiser Permanente doctor, new research finds.

COVID-19 patients did better if they had booster vaccination

June 16, 2022

A large Kaiser Permanente analysis of COVID-19 patients confirms the value of vaccination, finding higher rates of hospitalization and advanced medical care for COVID-19 patients who were unvaccinated, were vaccinated but not boosted, or who had an additional health condition such as obesity or heart disease.

Study offers reassurance to pregnant patients using biologic medications for autoimmune disorders

June 9, 2022

A new study led by Kaiser Permanente researchers provides reassurance about vaccinating infants whose mothers took biologic medications for an autoimmune disorder during pregnancy.

Lower in-hospital mortality for vaccinated patients hospitalized with COVID-19

May 9, 2022

COVID-19 patients in Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals during the delta surge of 2021 were less likely to die in the hospital of COVID-19 if they were vaccinated, new research finds.

New clues in early prediction of gestational diabetes

May 9, 2022

Kaiser Permanente researchers have identified several biological markers in the blood of pregnant people that are tied to an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes later in pregnancy.

Pandemic stressors taking a toll on pregnant patients’ mental health

May 4, 2022

Pregnant patients surveyed by Kaiser Permanente researchers early in the COVID-19 pandemic reported more severe mental health symptoms when they were distressed about changes in prenatal care, childcare challenges, and food insecurity. A second study found disparities in how Black and Hispanic pregnant individuals experienced pandemic stressors compared with white patients.

Podcast: Friends, family, outdoors provide pandemic pregnancy support

May 4, 2022

A survey of Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients during the early months of the pandemic finds those who used certain coping mechanisms were less likely to have depression or anxiety symptoms.

New, innovative support for people with serious mental illness

April 20, 2022

An innovative telehealth program at Kaiser Permanente Northern California has added psychiatric clinical pharmacists to the care teams treating people with serious, persistent mental illness.

National recognition for Kaiser Permanente early alert system

April 19, 2022

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s life-saving Advance Alert Monitor (AAM) program — an early detection system that helps care teams predict when hospitalized patients are at risk for clinical deterioration — has been recognized by The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum.

Autistic people join autism project – as research partners

April 19, 2022

A group of Kaiser Permanente investigators is inviting their study subjects — autistic people — to participate as research partners, providing their own unique perspective on being autistic. Their initial focus is on gender, sexuality, and reproductive health in autism, but once trained, the advisers could help shape any future research project.

Medical assistants help close virtual visit digital divide

April 11, 2022

Patients participating in video visits with their primary care doctors in fall 2020 benefited from having a medical assistant help connect the call, particularly if they needed language interpretation or lived in a low-socioeconomic-status neighborhood, according to new Kaiser Permanente research.

No difference found in infant outcomes between glyburide and insulin for gestational diabetes

March 31, 2022

A study of 11,321 patients treated for gestational diabetes with insulin or the medication glyburide did not find a difference in cesarean section rates or outcomes for the patients’ infants, suggesting many people with gestational diabetes could forego insulin injections in favor of taking a pill.

Coronavirus may double severe complications in pregnancy

March 21, 2022

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of pregnant patients who tested positive for the coronavirus found more than double the risk of poor outcomes including preterm birth, venous thromboembolism (blood clot), and severe maternal morbidity, which includes conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.

Early data on COVID-19 vaccine in teens shows booster effectiveness

March 1, 2022

An analysis of early data on the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children and teens found that a third shot, or booster, extended protection against emergency department and urgent care visits in 16- and 17-year-olds.

New approach to alcohol withdrawal treatment reduced patients’ time in the hospital

February 22, 2022

Kaiser Permanente quality improvement effort to update hospital management of alcohol withdrawal was associated with shorter time in the hospital and less use of the intensive care unit (ICU), according to research published Feb. 22 in JAMA Network Open.

Online quiz can help parents assess if their teen has a substance use problem

February 1, 2022

An analysis by Kaiser Permanente researchers suggests there may be clues in a child’s medical history about their risk for a substance use problem. The investigators used that research and input from parents to develop a free online risk prediction tool that anyone can use.

Filling in evidence gaps about preventive care

January 27, 2022

A new report from a consensus committee headed by Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Director Tracy Lieu, MD, MPH, for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), makes recommendations to accelerate the research needed to fill evidence gaps for clinical preventive services.

Researchers expand understanding of hernia genetics

January 20, 2022

A Kaiser Permanente genetic analysis found 41 new locations on the human genome related to risk of hernia in the lower abdomen and identified for the first time 2 locations associated with inguinal hernia risk in people with African ancestry and another 8 that show sex-specific effects.

Researchers seek answers for pregnant patients about cannabis

January 18, 2022

In a new KP Research Radio podcast, investigators studying use of cannabis during pregnancy discuss common misconceptions about prenatal cannabis use, their future research plans, and more.

Some pulmonary embolism patients effectively treated in primary care

January 12, 2022

Some people who get blood clots in their lungs may be able to skip a visit to the emergency department and be managed safely by their primary care physicians, a new Kaiser Permanente analysis suggests.

Spinal anesthesia improves recovery outcomes in outpatient joint replacement

January 6, 2022

Patients undergoing outpatient total hip and knee replacement surgery had improved recovery outcomes when receiving spinal anesthesia compared with general anesthesia, a Kaiser Permanente study found.

Life-saving Kaiser Permanente patient alert system garners international award

December 29, 2021

The Advance Alert Monitor (AAM), a hospital early warning system built on research led by Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigator Gabriel Escobar, MD, received international recognition.

Pandemic mental health, diabetes, early puberty highlighted in 2021 research podcasts

December 27, 2021

Investigators at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (DOR) study a wide variety of research topics, and that’s reflected in the range of subjects highlighted by KP Research Radio podcasts in 2021, offering a chance to hear researchers discuss the what – and why – of their work in their own words.

A researcher’s career improving hospital care began with the youngest patients

December 9, 2021

Gabriel Escobar, MD, retires in December after 30 years as a research scientist with DOR and as regional director for hospital operations research for Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).

Higher risk of dementia for older adults living with HIV

December 1, 2021

A study reviewing 16 years of patient data found nearly double the rate of dementia among people with HIV compared with those without HIV. The rate of dementia decreased over time for both groups but remained higher for those with HIV, reported research published in the journal AIDS.

Similar follow-up after telemedicine and office visits

November 16, 2021

Patients who made appointments to see their primary care doctors by video or over the phone did not seek substantially more follow-up care overall than those who had traditional in-person visits, according to Kaiser Permanente research published November 16 in JAMA Network Open.

Risk score assigns surgery patients to best level of preoperative counseling

November 11, 2021

A clinical decision support tool developed with predictive analytics could lead to more consistent patient preparation for elective surgery and reduce complications, according to Kaiser Permanente research published Nov. 10 in Annals of Surgery.

Patients who need language interpretation less likely to initially choose a video visit

November 4, 2021

Patients with limited English proficiency who need a language interpreter for a telemedicine visit were less likely to choose a video visit for their first time than patients who did not need an interpreter, Kaiser Permanente research found.

Cannabis use by pregnant women increased during pandemic

September 27, 2021

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of more than 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California finds a 25% increase in the rate of cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began in spring 2020.

Kaiser Permanente researchers study pandemic pregnancies

September 7, 2021

Kaiser Permanente researchers are surveying pregnant women during the pandemic and the first findings from the survey show a low percentage of COVID-19 infections, with higher prevalence among younger women, Hispanic women, and those living in neighborhoods with greater economic deprivation.

No serious health effects linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

September 3, 2021

Federal and Kaiser Permanente researchers combing the health records of 6.2 million patients found no serious health effects that could be linked to the 2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Teen suicidal thoughts and behaviors during pandemic vary by gender, diagnosis

September 1, 2021

The number of teens being seen at Kaiser Permanente Northern California emergency departments (ED) for suicidal thoughts and behaviors did not increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, though specific groups of teens may have sought care at higher rates during late 2020.

The findings were reported Sept. 1 in JAMA Psychiatry.

HIV prevention treatment shows gaps among key populations

August 26, 2021

A large, detailed look by Kaiser Permanente researchers at patients taking HIV-prevention drug therapy finds strong adherence soon after patients get the prescription, but less consistent use thereafter, particularly among groups considered high priority for receiving the medication.

5 Questions for . . . Ousseny Zerbo

August 23, 2021

Division of Research investigator Ousseny Zerbo, PhD, describes his long journey from his childhood and education in Burkina Faso to becoming an epidemiologist in Northern California.

Predictive model paired with case management reduced rate of readmitted hospital patients

August 11, 2021

A follow-up program for Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients discharged from the hospital was associated with reduced readmissions without increased mortality, new research in the journal BMJ suggests.

New tool for early identification of COVID-19 surges

July 26, 2021

Health systems could use data from routine clinical care to identify the onset of upcoming COVID-19 surges as many as 6 weeks before they occur, Kaiser Permanente researchers found in a study published in the journal BMJ Open.

Migraine genetics study finds intriguing connections with other medical conditions

July 22, 2021

A Kaiser Permanente genetic analysis found 82 locations on the human genome associated with migraine, 48 of them newly identified, including 3 specific to women, who experience migraine much more frequently than men.

Study identifies genetic clues for increased risk of age-related cataract

June 14, 2021

Using data from Kaiser Permanente and United Kingdom biobanks, researchers have identified new locations on the human genome that could relate to the risk of age-related cataract.

COVID-19 vaccine trial enrolls children aged 5-11 at 3 sites in Northern California

June 9, 2021

About 75 children are scheduled to receive their first vaccination against COVID-19 as part of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine clinical trial through Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Study finds no link between autism and common antidepressant when used in pregnancy

June 8, 2021

Mothers with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety were more likely to have a child with autism than mothers without such conditions, new research led by Kaiser Permanente investigators finds. But the analysis found no association between use of common antidepressants by pregnant women and likelihood of autism in their children.

Teens who stop taking ADHD medication at adulthood more prone to health, social problems

June 1, 2021

Teens diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often don’t take their medication regularly, and new Kaiser Permanente research finds the problem gets worse when they hit adulthood. The study also related non-adherence to ADHD medication with some negative health and social outcomes.

Longtime women’s health study SWAN tackles the challenges of aging

May 11, 2021

A long-term study that has produced important insights into menopause and women’s health at midlife is starting its 27th year with new federal funding from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at 7 sites including the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland.

Lisa Croen named a fellow of the International Society for Autism Research

May 7, 2021

Lisa A. Croen, PhD, director of the Kaiser Permanente Autism Research Program, was named a fellow of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) during the society’s annual meeting May 7.

5 Questions for . . . Andy Avins

May 4, 2021

Andy Avins, MD, MPH, has been studying what works, and what doesn’t, in medical care ever since a chance encounter in the hospital library with a journal that introduced him to the concept of evidence-based medicine.

Gender, sexuality in autism a largely unexplored area of research

April 27, 2021

The Autism Research Program at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research is pursuing a new project to identify gaps in knowledge about gender, sexuality, and reproductive health among autistic people. Our KP Research Radio podcast explores the issue.

Healthy lifestyle linked to lower risk of preterm birth

April 26, 2021

A combination of 3 healthy lifestyle factors is associated with a 70% lower risk of preterm birth, according to an analysis of data from a Kaiser Permanente study involving nearly 2,500 pregnant women in Northern California.

Most e-visit users didn’t need follow-up care, research finds

March 24, 2021

Four out of 5 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who used a simplified online e-visit for a basic health concern did not need follow-up care in the following week, a new analysis finds.

Pregnant women who use cannabis more likely to live near a cannabis retailer

March 4, 2021

Pregnant women who lived near recreational use cannabis retailers were more likely to use cannabis early in their pregnancies, new Kaiser Permanente research found.

Mental health treatment rate rose early in pandemic

March 3, 2021

A detailed analysis of mental health treatment trends during the COVID-19 pandemic found a 7% increase in visits during the initial shelter-in-place period in 2020, compared with the same 3-month period in 2019.

Analysis confirms racial disparities in COVID-19 infection

February 8, 2021

An analysis of Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California early in the COVID-19 pandemic found racial and ethnic disparities in the likelihood of testing positive for the coronavirus, but no significant disparities in mortality among those who were hospitalized.

Kaiser Permanente data key to nation’s COVID-19 vaccine surveillance strategy

January 6, 2021

Kaiser Permanente’s Vaccine Study Center is leading a key part of the national safety surveillance effort for the COVID-19 vaccines, tracking patient data for serious side effects.

Pediatrician screening of young people with substance use, mood problems can have long-term results

December 28, 2020

Adolescents who had access to a brief intervention and referral to treatment for substance use or mood problems at a pediatric clinic were less likely to have a related diagnosis 3 years later, new Kaiser Permanente research finds.

Exercising more in early pregnancy may reduce gestational diabetes risk

December 21, 2020

Pregnant women who exercised more during the first trimester of pregnancy had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes, a new analysis of Kaiser Permanente data finds.

Unique genetic factors and ancestry, along with lifestyle, influence skin cancer risk

December 14, 2020

People can look to the Northern European side of their genetic heritage for increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, according to the first large analysis of genetic risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in diverse populations with European ancestry from Kaiser Permanente researchers.

Kaiser Permanente to study statins’ effect on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

December 7, 2020

The potential for statins — a widely prescribed class of cholesterol-lowering medication — to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will be explored in a 4-year study led by Division of Research investigator Catherine Schaefer, PhD.

5 Questions for . . . Lyndsay Avalos

November 16, 2020

To help pregnant women make informed decisions, Division of Research (DOR) investigator Lyndsay Avalos, PhD, MPH is leading a study to shed light on the nuances of depression treatment during pregnancy. Avalos recently received a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the topic.

Real-time in-hospital alerts associated with lower patient mortality

November 11, 2020

A sophisticated system that analyzes electronic data about hospital patients, identifies those at risk of deteriorating, and issues an alert to a centralized team of specially trained nurses resulted in a lower mortality rate, Kaiser Permanente researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Three clinicians join innovative Kaiser Permanente Northern California research cohort

November 9, 2020

Three Kaiser Permanente physicians have joined The Permanente Medical Group Physician Researcher Program, which allows them to continue their clinical work while pursuing specific research projects.

Pediatricians at Kaiser Permanente find advantages to video visits with children, families

November 2, 2020

Parents, children, and pediatricians with Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) have found advantages to home-based video medical visits, which have increased markedly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 antibody research to illuminate pandemic’s course in Northern California

October 27, 2020

Researchers with Kaiser Permanente are launching a study using blood tests for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus to estimate the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 disease in Northern California and explore whether antibodies confer protection from recurrent disease.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California deepens its COVID-19 research agenda

October 13, 2020

Researchers and clinicians with Kaiser Permanente Northern California are developing a wide-ranging research agenda to beat COVID-19, working at the accelerated pace demanded by a worldwide pandemic.

Teens, parents, physicians support screening young people for gender identity, study suggests

September 14, 2020

Teenagers who question their gender identity may not feel comfortable bringing up the issue with their doctors. New research suggests that adding gender identity questions to a pre-visit screening could make those conversations easier.

Study identifies geographic clusters of pregnant women who missed flu shots

September 8, 2020

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of women who did not get flu shots during their pregnancies found the women clustered in geographic “hot spots.” These women tended to have fewer prenatal medical visits and live in low-income neighborhoods.

Earlier start to HIV treatment may reduce long-term risk of some cancers

August 27, 2020

New research from Kaiser Permanente that followed a large number of people living with HIV over 15 years finds reduced risk of certain cancers is among the benefits of early treatment.

Clinicians need to build bridges to transition care for young adults with autism

July 15, 2020

Young people with autism use more health care services and need assistance transitioning from pediatric to adult medical care, according to 2 new studies by researchers with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.

Kaiser Permanente researchers present latest findings at global AIDS2020 conference held online

July 6, 2020

Kaiser Permanente’s rich history of research and care delivery innovation around HIV and AIDS will be highlighted at the global International AIDS Conference, being held online July 6-10.

Genetic regions associated with corneal thickness identified by Kaiser Permanente researchers

June 11, 2020

The investigators wanted to better understand corneal thickness variation between individuals and its relationship with vision disorders such as primary open-angle glaucoma and keratoconus, which can both lead to vision loss.

On-demand HIV prevention pills worked well for San Francisco patients

June 4, 2020

…Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates. “We now have different dosing strategies that can meet the needs of different patients.” –Jonathan Volk, MD, The Permanente Medical Group The 2-1-1 regimen was…

Work-based diabetes prevention programs in San Francisco show promising results

May 28, 2020

…Quesenberry, PhD, Julia C. McDonald, MS, and Janet G. Alexander, MS, of the Division of Research; Susan D. Brown, PhD, an adjunct investigator with the Division of Research; Jennifer L….

Telephone coaching helped pregnant women with overweight or obesity manage gestational weight gain

May 20, 2020

Pregnant women with overweight or obesity better controlled their weight gain and improved health behaviors when they received a series of telephone sessions with a registered dietician, a new study from Kaiser Permanente finds.

People with medical conditions more likely to abstain from drinking heavily

May 13, 2020

An analysis of 2.7 million Kaiser Permanente patients finds a higher risk of unhealthful drinking among people who drink and have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic liver disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

COVID-19 clinical studies ramp up quickly at Kaiser Permanente Northern California

April 28, 2020

In the race to find safe and effective treatments for seriously ill patients with COVID-19, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) is enrolling patients in nationwide clinical trials and pursuing other innovative treatment options.

5 Questions for . . . Paola Gilsanz

April 22, 2020

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research staff scientist Paola Gilsanz, ScD, is exploring the reasons for the unequal distribution of dementia risk among genders and ethnic groups.

Genetic underpinnings of near-sightedness identified in new research

March 30, 2020

New research involving Kaiser Permanente researchers and genetic data reveals for the first time which specific genes contribute to myopia risk.

Can knowing common search terms lead to better usability of electronic health records?

March 6, 2020

Kaiser Permanente researchers’ study identified top search terms in the electronic health record and analyzed the relationships among search terms. They then used these data to identify what users were looking for most – and consider how they might find it more easily.

Heart attack patients who follow more guidelines live longer

March 5, 2020

Patients who followed more medical advice after a heart attack were more likely to survive years later, and their prospects improved with every additional recommendation they followed, according to new research from Kaiser Permanente published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Patients with diabetes who used online tools managed their disease better

February 19, 2020

Patients with diabetes who used the Kaiser Permanente patient portal and mobile phone app improved their diabetes management outcomes, according to an analysis published Feb. 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Depressed pregnant women more likely to eat poorer diets, Kaiser Permanente analysis finds

February 12, 2020

Pregnant women with depression were more likely to eat poor diets with a higher intake of empty calories and lower intake of greens, beans, and fruit, according to an analysis of 1,160 adult pregnant women who were treated at Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Large study finds physical inactivity as dangerous as smoking for heart disease, stroke

February 10, 2020

A broad look at an ethnically diverse sample of nearly 1 million Kaiser Permanente patients compared the individual contributions of major risk factors for heart attacks and stroke and found physical inactivity a greater risk than expected.

Study finds no evidence of harm to infant development after mothers get flu vaccine while pregnant

February 5, 2020

A Kaiser Permanente study of women who were given inactivated influenza vaccine while pregnant found no indication of developmental problems for their babies at 6 months old.

Investigator pursues compelling questions about a poorly understood killer of hospital patients

January 30, 2020

Kaiser Permanente physician-researcher Vincent Liu, MD, MS, is involved in 3 different studies on sepsis with $4 million in funding from federal and foundation sources.

Women with colorectal cancer fare better if they have social support

January 23, 2020

New research from Kaiser Permanente finds that post-menopausal women with colorectal cancer were more likely to die from their disease or from any cause if they had low social support before diagnosis.

5 Questions for . . . Cynthia Campbell

January 8, 2020

Cynthia Campbell is a Division of Research investigator who spearheaded the development of a multi-site prescription opioids registry to better understand opioid use and patient outcomes.

Kaiser Permanente reduces racial disparities in who gets minimally invasive hysterectomies

December 6, 2019

Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California hospitals significantly increased minimally invasive surgery for hysterectomy and found the change also reduced racial disparities in the types of hysterectomies patients get.

Study in pregnant women suggests maternal infection, not antibiotics, associated with childhood obesity

December 5, 2019

Women who had an untreated infection during pregnancy were more likely to have a child who later went on to be obese than pregnant women who never had an infection, new research from Kaiser Permanente finds.

Kaiser Permanente reduces hospitalizations even as sicker patients are admitted

December 4, 2019

Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California hospitals reduced hospitalizations and readmissions even as patients’ conditions increased in severity, a new analysis shows.

Chronic disease prevalence varies by Asian subgroup, Kaiser Permanente research finds

November 25, 2019

Asian-Americans from different parts of Asia have very different cardiovascular risk factors and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, Kaiser Permanente research concludes.

Division of Research findings contribute to change to national hepatitis C treatment guideline

November 18, 2019

Black patients being treated for hepatitis C can take 8 weeks of certain direct-acting antiviral drugs rather than the previous recommendation of 12 weeks, updated guidelines say.

Division of Research remembers Bernard Tyson

November 12, 2019

Tyson attended the 2016 celebration honoring Kaiser Permanente participants in CARDIA, a landmark national study of cardiovascular health and disparities.

Adult ADHD diagnoses rise sharply over a decade

November 1, 2019

The rate at which adults were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder doubled over ten years, increasing much faster than the diagnosis rate for children.

Can a mobile app help women stay healthy during pregnancy?

October 24, 2019

Monique Hedderson is heading a five-year project to test whether a mobile phone app could help overweight and obese women avoid excess weight gain, and the accompanying health risks, while pregnant.

More families are seeking care for gender-questioning children and teens

October 15, 2019

Kaiser Permanente Northern California pediatric transgender clinic sees a sharp rise in referrals from families with children and teens with questions about their gender.

Personalizing care for older patients with diabetes

October 10, 2019

Kaiser Permanente investigator Andrew Karter and colleagues will receive $3.2 million over 5 years from the National Institute on Aging to study what older patients with diabetes want from their treatment.

Behavioral health researchers seek new ways to problem-solve for patients

October 7, 2019

Kaiser Permanente clinicians and researchers with its Northern California Division of Research work closely together to identify ways creative thinking and research can improve behavioral care for patients.

Minority racial and ethnic groups get diabetes at lower weights

September 19, 2019

Kaiser Permanente research finds members of U.S. ethnic and racial minority groups have diabetes at lower body mass index than white patients.

5 Questions for . . . Yeyi Zhu

September 19, 2019

Yeyi Zhu, PhD, wants to use big data analytics to improve women’s and children’s clinical care and health.

Medical imaging rates continue to rise despite push to reduce their use

September 3, 2019

Despite a broad campaign among physician groups to reduce the amount of imaging in medicine, the rates of use of CT, MRI and other scans have continued to increase in both the United States and Ontario, Canada, according to a new study of more than 135 million imaging exams.

How do patients’ genes affect their medication choice?

August 30, 2019

Analysis finds that neurological side effects from the anti-seizure medication phenytoin are more common in patients with certain genetic variants that were also associated with lower adherence to treatment, suggesting they may play a role in patients finding the right medication.

Kaiser Permanente program reduces opioid use for women delivering by C-section

August 8, 2019

Taking less pain medication, along with moving around sooner after the surgery, can allow women to recover more quickly and care for their newborns.

More women using cannabis daily before and during pregnancy, Kaiser Permanente research finds

July 19, 2019

The number of women using cannabis in the year before they get pregnant and early in their pregnancies is increasing, and their frequency of use is also rising, according to new data from Kaiser Permanente.

Kaiser Permanente machine learning analysis of sepsis illustrates condition’s complexity

July 17, 2019

A new machine learning algorithm developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers reveals the complexity of sepsis by sorting patients into recognizable treatment subgroups.

Prediction tool could identify more patients at risk of getting HIV

July 5, 2019

Kaiser Permanente researchers have developed a new analytical tool that identifies people at risk of contracting HIV so they may be referred for preventive medication.

Lower surgical opioid dosage leads to less long-term use, Kaiser Permanente research finds

June 19, 2019

Surgical patients given less opioids and more alternative methods of pain control were less likely to continue using opioids 6 months to a year later, an analysis by Kaiser Permanente Northern California researchers finds.

Hepatitis C drugs not associated with more adverse events

June 7, 2019

Direct-acting antiviral agents used to treat patients with the hepatitis C virus are not associated with higher rates of adverse liver, kidney, and cardiovascular events, according to research published in JAMA Network Open and supported by data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Studying Life After Breast Cancer

October 18, 2018

When Sandra Domingue attends her regular fitness class at the Bayview Hunter’s Point YMCA in San Francisco, she’s not thinking about how her time at the gym, which includes both socializing and exercise, could help her live longer.

Kidney Disease Patients with Implantable Heart Defibrillators at Greater Risk of Hospitalization

February 5, 2018

In a study of nearly 6,000 community-based patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure, the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) was associated with a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization.

Why Parents Should Continue to Vaccinate Their Kids

August 10, 2017

As a research scientist for the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research and director of KP’s Vaccine Study Center, it’s Nicola Klein’s job to study the safety and effectiveness of both new and older vaccines.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program at Kaiser Permanente Significantly Improves Surgical Outcomes

May 10, 2017

A comprehensive Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program implemented in Kaiser Permanente’s 20 Northern California medical centers involved nearly 9,000 surgical...

For Patients With Positive Fecal Screening Test, Sooner is Better for Follow-Up Colonoscopy

April 26, 2017

The risk of colorectal cancer increased significantly when colonoscopy was delayed by more than nine months following a positive fecal...

Breast Cancer Survivors Benefit from Vitamin D, Social Ties

March 20, 2017

Studies of breast cancer survivors by Division of Research scientists showed lower risks of disease recurrence and mortality among women...

Kaiser Permanente Stroke Express Research Featured at ISC 2017

February 23, 2017

Among the highlights of the 2017 International Stroke Conference (ISC) being held in Houston this week is research that documents...