Teen cannabis surveys may miss rise in use disorder

September 14, 2026

Study finds cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose among teens in California after legalization, erasing a 3-year decline.

Medicaid ACOs can lead the U.S. toward maternal health equity

September 10, 2026

New study details how Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations can improve maternal health care quality.

Kaiser Permanente receives up to $16 million award to evaluate ways to responsibly use AI to enhance care for adults with heart failure

September 9, 2026

Division of Research study will evaluate agentic AI solutions to equitably improve quality of care.

Digital reminders increase statin prescription refills

August 29, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds simple, automated patient portal or email messages or texts help patients stay on their medication.  

Kaiser Permanente research scientist to receive $1 million to improve comparative clinical effectiveness research

August 25, 2026

Romain Neugebauer, PhD, will lead PCORI-funded study to improve methods used to evaluate the health effects of different sequences of treatments for type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Younger Black women face wider uterine cancer survival gap

August 14, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds younger Black women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive and advanced cancers than their White counterparts.

Scientists find clusters of measles vulnerability in Northern California

July 30, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study identifies census tracts with vaccination coverage below herd immunity threshold.

Research connecting heart, kidneys, and metabolism leads to newly identified syndrome

July 22, 2026

Kaiser Permanente investigators’ work contributes to first clinical guidelines to improve care for patients with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health conditions.

Current emergency room methods often overtriage children

July 20, 2026

Kaiser Permanente analysis suggests more accurate triage approach could increase efficiency, shorten ER visits for low-acuity patients.

Patients respond positively to at-home cervical cancer screening

June 26, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study supports self-collection for HPV testing with kits mailed to patients’ homes.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination in pregnancy tied to infant vaccination

June 24, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study supports encouraging vaccination during pregnancy.

Breast cancer risk assessment improves with mammography AI and polygenic risk scores

June 23, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds a mammography AI risk score used along with polygenic and clinical risk scores identifies more high-risk women.

Link found between cannabis in pregnancy, cardiovascular disease

June 17, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study suggests higher risk of later hypertension, coronary heart disease.

Study sheds light on managing pain in wrist fracture surgery

June 16, 2026

Patients who had a nerve block experienced good pain control during procedure, but some sought follow-up care for ongoing pain.

Division of Research investigators shine at American Diabetes Association annual meeting

June 12, 2026

Division of Research investigator Luis Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, RD, received the Early Career Abstract Award in Public Health & Epidemiology at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.

Making the Connections: The Cardiovascular, Kidney, and Metabolic Health Research Symposium

May 20, 2026

Tenth annual meeting hosted by the Division of Research and The Permanente Medical Group drew participants from many Kaiser Permanente Northern California service areas.

Air pollution tied to increased risk of memory problems

May 18, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study in Black adults links problems with cognition to long-term exposure to small particle pollution.

AIM-HI virtual showcase highlights AI, algorithm innovation in health care

May 13, 2026

Augmented Intelligence in Medicine and Health Care Initiative (AIM-HI) provides preview of work being carried out by grantees.

Study shows benefit to infants of maternal COVID-19 vaccination

April 22, 2026

Kaiser Permanente researchers add to evidence that inoculation in pregnancy protects baby in first months of life.

Mobile app-based support could help women stay healthy during pregnancy

April 20, 2026

Designed by Kaiser Permanente researchers, the tested program limited excess weight gain for high-risk patients.

More teens used cannabis after adult recreational use was legalized in California

April 17, 2026

Teen use then declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaiser Permanente study finds.

Precision treatments personalize care for people with cancer

April 15, 2026

The Kaiser Permanente Genomic Oncology program is one of the largest known community-based precision oncology and genomic testing programs in the U.S.

Aggressive type of uterine cancer responsible for higher death rates in Black women

April 7, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds tumor characteristics along with socioeconomic factors account for 90% of the survival difference between Black women and White women.

Lifestyle tied to improved breast cancer survival in Asian American women 

March 26, 2026

New Kaiser Permanente study also identifies survival differences among Asian American ethnic groups, highlighting the importance of looking at variations within this community.

Gestational diabetes subtypes tied to distinct risks for mothers and babies

March 17, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study supports reassessment of one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosis and management.

Prediabetes tied to increased risk for heart disease

March 6, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds highest cardiovascular risk in young adults and adults with prediabetes and obesity.

Timely blood sugar regulation in gestational diabetes is tied to less childhood obesity

March 4, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study underscores importance of managing gestational diabetes soon after diagnosis.

Study finds association between teen cannabis use and mental health disorders

February 20, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study of nearly half a million adolescents finds cannabis use may precede onset of serious psychiatric disorders.

Clinical pharmacists can help older patients with type 2 diabetes avoid severe hypoglycemia

February 18, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study finds patients contacted by a pharmacist were more likely to have their diabetes treatment modified to help keep blood sugar levels from dropping too low.

COVID-19 in early pregnancy could increase child’s likelihood of autism

February 6, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study emphasizes importance of vaccination in pregnancy.

Faster sodium correction tied to improved outcomes in patients with low sodium levels

January 27, 2026

Kaiser Permanente study supports reassessment of treatment guidelines, which have favored slower correction for severe hyponatremia.

New DOR postdocs delve into an array of research areas

January 26, 2026

The six new fellows are bringing fresh ideas to studies in the fields of delivery science, clinical informatics, and mental health.

Delayed treatment of HIV linked to greater risk of dementia

January 22, 2026

Kaiser Permanente analysis underlines importance of early identification, treatment of HIV.

Real‑world evidence can guide treatment for advanced prostate cancer

January 20, 2026

DOR Director contributes to nationwide Veterans Affairs study that can help guide chemotherapy decisions.

DOR hosts inaugural Postdoctoral Fellow Research Poster Symposium

January 9, 2026

The event hosted by the Translational Research Fellowship Program showcased the innovative work of DOR’s postdoctoral fellows.

Automated tool can predict appointment length needed to counsel patients before surgery

January 7, 2026

A perioperative medicine score developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers allows clinicians to schedule longer appointments for specific patients.

DOR Cancer Section hosts second DOR/TPMG Cancer Research Symposium

January 6, 2026

The full-day event drew researchers and clinicians from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Stanford, UC Davis, UC San Francisco, and Veterans Affairs.

Kaiser Permanente receives $12 million award for suicide prevention study

December 23, 2025

Division of Research–led study funded by PCORI will evaluate multiple strategies to reach patients struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Study of cannabis retailers finds mixed advice on safety in pregnancy

December 10, 2025

Kaiser Permanente survey suggests employees are more focused on tobacco risks than those posed by cannabis.

Physician Researcher Program hosts first symposium

December 3, 2025

The celebratory event at the Division of Research highlighted the research achievements of the first cohort of TPMG clinician researchers.

Simple online e-visits growing in use among Kaiser Permanente patients

December 2, 2025

Study finds low rate of in-person follow-up needed for 4 common outpatient conditions.

Many patients with first-time psychosis diagnosed in emergency room

November 24, 2025

Kaiser Permanente research offers insights to guide patients to best type of follow-up care.

Researchers build largest-ever AI model to interpret echocardiograms

November 11, 2025

Kaiser Permanente investigator’s validation study sets stage to bring the AI model, called EchoPrime, into clinical care.

Autism study supports role of elevated blood sugar in pregnancy

November 5, 2025

A new analysis of Kaiser Permanente Northern California mothers and children adds to evidence that maternal blood sugar metabolism in pregnancy could play a role in the likelihood a child has of being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Simple blood test can identify pregnant patients unlikely to have a blood clot in their lung

November 4, 2025

Findings from this Kaiser Permanente study could help clinicians identify pregnant patients who can safely avoid advanced imaging tests.

Large Kaiser Permanente study supports skipping early gestational diabetes screening

October 16, 2025

People with risk factors for gestational diabetes can safely skip an early pregnancy glucose screening test given before 24 weeks gestation, according to a large new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers.

Diabetes medications vary in ability to reduce heart attacks and strokes

October 15, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study findings could help inform treatment decisions for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Skin cancer risk calculator can improve screening and cancer detection rates in organ transplant patients

October 15, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study evaluated the implementation of a new program for solid organ transplant recipients, a group at high risk for skin cancer.

Genomic risk score can identify people at higher risk for heart disease, including those with lower LDL cholesterol

October 14, 2025

A Kaiser Permanente study suggests that a polygenic risk score can improve cholesterol management.

National workgroup urges rapid, efficient evaluation of impacts of artificial intelligence on health, health care

October 13, 2025

Division of Research investigators among key organizers and authors of JAMA AI Summit report.

Simple online e-visits for oral contraceptives result in faster prescription pickup

October 9, 2025

Kaiser Permanente analysis compares e-visits with phone, video, in-person care.

DOR researchers organize global conference on interventions for problem substance use

September 30, 2025

Stacy Sterling, Derek Satre and team hosted a three-day conference on brief intervention in problem alcohol, drug use.

Study finds differences in prenatal depression by patient’s country of birth

September 22, 2025

Pregnant patients born outside the U.S. were about half as likely to be diagnosed with prenatal depression as those born in the U.S.

New pain block technique as effective for reducing post-mastectomy pain

September 16, 2025

Study led by Kaiser Permanente researchers compared two regional anesthesia techniques used during breast cancer surgery.

Email reminders that the flu vaccine protects the heart did not increase vaccination rates in large U.S. study

August 30, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers tested the impact of email “nudges” that promoted the benefits of vaccination in 3.6 million members — the largest randomized trial to date.

American College of Cardiology encourages vaccination for adults with heart disease

August 26, 2025

Kaiser Permanente cardiologist and research scientist contributes to expert clinical guidelines on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination.

Seven Kaiser Permanente physicians selected for 2025 Physician Researcher Program cohort

August 15, 2025

Clinician-researchers will work with Division of Research investigators to develop systematic evaluations of clinical care.

Putting type 2 diabetes into remission doesn’t happen often, but it is possible

July 30, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study identifies factors that could help doctors determine which patients are most likely to achieve this goal.

American Heart Association funds Kaiser Permanente to study AI in cardiovascular care

July 29, 2025

Investigators receive $5 million research grant to explore ways to use artificial intelligence to accelerate and improve screening and treatment for cardiovascular disease.

For heart failure patients, improvement may not be enough to stop treatment

July 28, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study finds medication is still necessary for patients with a reduced ejection fraction that improves over time.

RSV preventive medication shows strong protection for infants

July 22, 2025

Monoclonal antibody medication nirsevimab reduced risk of severe respiratory illness in babies

More than half of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander young adults have obesity

July 21, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study also finds rapidly increasing rates of obesity in Filipino and other Southeast Asian ethnic groups.

Study underlines importance of COVID-19 booster for cancer patients

July 17, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers show reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations among vaccinated cancer patients

Researchers identify optimal treatments for Helicobacter pylori

July 16, 2025

Fndings from a new study led by Kaiser Permanente researchers can help patients and physicians identify their best options in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Doctor-patient talk about problem alcohol use could reduce health care use

July 15, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers find less overall health system use and costs in 6 months after a “brief intervention” in primary care for alcohol use problems

Prediabetes is more common in overweight Asian and Pacific Islander youth

June 30, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study finds 2-fold higher prevalence compared to White adolescents and shows variations among Asian ethnic subgroups.

Mothers’ flu vaccination in pregnancy benefits babies in first months of life

June 26, 2025

Pregnant patients are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza because the illness can be more severe in pregnancy. New research from Kaiser Permanente shows prenatal inoculation also benefits infants during their first months of life.

Cold drinks can trigger atrial fibrillation

June 12, 2025

First-of-a-kind Kaiser Permanente study sheds light on “cold drink heart,” a poorly understood condition.

Vital signs for mental health

June 5, 2025

Kaiser Permanente psychiatrist advocates for measurement-based care, a data-driven approach to tracking patient symptoms and improving treatment.

Cardiovascular research symposium highlights innovations in heart health

June 4, 2025

Ninth annual meeting hosted by the Division of Research and The Permanente Medical Group drew participants from throughout Kaiser Permanente.

Analysis provides more support for starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45

June 2, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study looks at colonoscopy outcomes after the new guidelines recommending screening begin earlier were implemented.

Blood test for cancer screening can identify adults with colorectal cancer

June 2, 2025

An investigational colorectal cancer screening blood test was effective at identifying tumors, but less effective at identifying people with precancerous polyps.

Colonoscopy follow-up after polyp removal safe in adults over age 75

May 27, 2025

Age alone should not determine whether an older patient who previously had polyps removed should continue to have follow-up colonoscopies, a new Kaiser Permanente study suggests.

Risk tool improves emergency department care for patients with heart failure

May 9, 2025

New study confirms accuracy of a risk tool developed by Kaiser Permanente to identify lower risk patients with heart failure who may not need hospitalization.

5 Questions for . . . Meera Ragavan

May 2, 2025

Kaiser Permanente research scientist and oncologist was raised and inspired by a family of physicians with a commitment to service.

Colorectal cancer screening program doubled screening rates and halved deaths

April 25, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study reports on impact of 13 years of annual outreach with at-home testing.

Clinical Trials Program hosts inaugural Academy of Clinical Trialists symposium

April 16, 2025

Kaiser Permanente and The Permanente Medical Group are expanding opportunities for physician involvement in clinical trials.

Melisa Wong receives Arti Hurria Memorial Award from American Geriatrics Society

April 9, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researcher and physician is being honored for her work as an emerging investigator in internal medicine focused on care of older adults.

Puberty in girls tied to adverse childhood experiences

April 4, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study finds a history of ACEs tied to earlier initiation of puberty in girls — but the same is not true for boys.

Uterine fibroid incidence differs by race, ethnicity

April 2, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study offers new, more detailed information about Asian subgroup rates.

Blood pressure patterns during early pregnancy tied to hypertension diagnosis up to 14 years after delivery

April 2, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study shows blood pressure patterns reveal differences in risk in women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

AI-assisted notetaking gains steady support from Kaiser Permanente physicians

April 1, 2025

One-year review of ambient scribe technology finds evidence it could reduce documentation burden.

American Diabetes Association honors Kaiser Permanente women’s health researcher

March 31, 2025

Hedderson is the 2025 recipient of the Norbert Freinkel Award for outstanding scientific achievement in the understanding and treatment of diabetes and pregnancy.

Quality assurance informs large-scale use of ambient AI clinical documentation

March 27, 2025

Kaiser Permanente analysis shares lessons learned in one of the largest rollouts of assisted clinical notetaking technology.

Large study of tuberculosis incidence highlights who is at risk

March 20, 2025

People who were born in countries with endemic TB and those with medical risk factors need more focused screening.

5 Questions for . . . David Vinson

March 18, 2025

Kaiser Permanente physician and DOR adjunct investigator is a leader in emergency medicine research.

Prenatal depression symptoms higher among some racial and ethnic subgroups

March 13, 2025

Unique Kaiser Permanente analysis delves into detailed identity data to understand differing mental health risk in pregnancy.

Obesity risk higher in preteens born to moms who developed diabetes during pregnancy and fed natural fruit juice or sugary drinks as infants

March 12, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study provides evidence in support of recommendations to avoid feeding infants fruit juice and sugary beverages in their first year of life.

Heart disease and stroke risks vary among Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander adults

March 6, 2025

Kaiser Permanente research presented at the American Heart Association Epidemiology and Prevention meeting highlights the need to study Asian subgroups.

COVID-19 illness and vaccines pose no risk to blood donation supply

February 28, 2025

A unique Kaiser Permanente study confirms the safety of using blood donated from people who have been vaccinated against or who have had COVID-19.

Researchers explore COVID-19 genome for clues to virus behavior

February 25, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers — working with colleagues in public health and other research institutions — identified 78 new locations on the genome of SARS-CoV-2 that could relate to how the virus infects a person and impacts their health.

Earlier identification of cachexia in advanced cancer possible

February 18, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study finds significant weight loss 3 months after diagnosis can predict future weight loss, creating earlier options for intervention.

Rachel Ramoni named director of Kaiser Permanente Division of Research

February 6, 2025

New leader has spent last 8 years as head of research for Veterans Affairs.

California wildfires may increase risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke

February 5, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study finds variations in impact of air pollution from 2018 Mendocino Complex and Camp fires on cardiovascular health.

DOR recruits large group of postdoctoral researchers

February 3, 2025

The current class of postdoctoral research fellows at the Division of Research is studying a diverse array of topics.

Many adults may be unaware that they have liver disease

January 31, 2025

Kaiser Permanente study suggests less than 1% of adults with MASLD may know that they have the condition.

Kaiser Permanente study evaluates joint impacts of chronic hypertension and hypertensive disorders developing during pregnancy on severe maternal adverse outcomes

January 28, 2025

Risk of serious adverse outcomes of pregnancy for women with chronic hypertension who did not develop preeclampsia was nearly the same as the risk for women without chronic hypertension or hypertensive disorders developing during pregnancy.

Prediction model could inform emergency surgery risks for older patients

January 27, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers develop tool that could automatically pull relevant factors already available from a patient’s health record.

Food insecurity linked to increased risk of complications in pregnancy

January 23, 2025

Kaiser Permanente researchers also found no increased risk in those who received food assistance during pregnancy.

Smoking is most common method of cannabis use in pregnancy

January 16, 2025

A new study finds about 71% of people who use cannabis during pregnancy smoke it, and about a third use an edible version. Nearly a third use cannabis in multiple forms.

Podcast: Meeting the health and social needs of adults with multiple chronic conditions

January 9, 2025

Funding from PCORI and AHRQ will allow Richard Grant to conduct studies on the best ways to address social needs, fill care gaps, and improve health equity.

Two-pronged approach to infant protection against RSV gets strong start

January 8, 2025

New maternal vaccine and preventive treatment in newborns reached most babies delivered by Kaiser Permanente Northern California during the 2023/2024 RSV season.

STI prevention method shows promise in curbing infections in groups at high risk

January 6, 2025

Taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sexual exposures for prevention of sexually transmitted infections — a method known as doxyPEP — was effective in reducing cases of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea in patients at risk for STIs.

Reaching teens about alcohol, drug use

December 16, 2024

Kaiser Permanente researchers are leading an international effort to further a promising technique for reaching young people at risk of problem substance use.

Telemedicine can provide timely pediatric primary care

November 22, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds telephone and video visits can be a good option, but they are not always a substitute for seeing a health care provider in person.

Maternal diet during pregnancy linked to healthy infant growth

November 21, 2024

Mothers whose diets aligned with federal nutrition guidelines during pregnancy were more likely to have babies whose birth weight and growth in early childhood also aligned with recommendations.

Kaiser Permanente has helped more than 300,000 people quit smoking in Northern California

November 20, 2024

A new study highlights the success of KPNC’s comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco screening and cessation program over the past decade.

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.

Free contraception under ACA increased use, reduced pregnancy and abortion

October 31, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study shows the impact of elimination of cost-sharing for contraception on women’s health.

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.

Breast care coordinators help expand eligibility for cancer genetic testing

October 28, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study highlights program that offers hereditary cancer testing to all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients ages 65 and under.

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.

Younger adults benefit from updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines

October 21, 2024

The updated national colorectal cancer screening guidelines that recommend screening begin at age 45 — rather than 50 — can benefit younger adults, a new Kaiser Permanente study found.

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.

No link seen between antibiotics and colorectal cancer in younger adults

October 3, 2024

Large Kaiser Permanente study suggests adult use of antibiotics is not tied to increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses seen in adults under 50.

Medically complex patients with social risks use more medical services

September 27, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds up to 30% higher odds of hospital admissions, emergency department use, and mental health visits for patients with social needs.

5 Questions for . . . Isaac Ergas

September 19, 2024

From programmer to PhD staff scientist, with a stop for film school, this Kaiser Permanente researcher has had an eclectic journey.

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.

Podcast: Colorectal cancer in older adults

September 3, 2024

KP Research Radio takes a look at new study findings that can help older adults and their physicians determine when to stop colorectal cancer surveillance.

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.

Acute kidney injury less common than believed in patients with exercise-induced muscle tissue breakdown

August 20, 2024

A new Kaiser Permanente study finds patients with high creatine kinase levels from strenuous exercise had higher risk of kidney injury if they used NSAIDs or were dehydrated.

Kaiser Permanente investigator will lead $4 million study to improve health of adults with multiple chronic conditions

August 13, 2024

Richard Grant will lead Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute-funded study that will compare methods of addressing social needs to fill care gaps and improve health equity.

New research agenda aims to improve care for patients with COPD and heart disease

August 13, 2024

Kaiser Permanente experts contribute to American Thoracic Society research statement that addresses need for clinical trials in real-world settings, patient-centered outcomes, and health disparities.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Melisa Wong

August 5, 2024

For this physician and research scientist, a childhood loss led to a career focused on improving cancer care for older adults.

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.

First National Enrichment Program held for early-stage investigators in diabetes translation and health equity research

July 18, 2024

Kaiser Permanente and Stanford co-hosted the first National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-funded conference for Centers for Diabetes Translation Research investigators.

Electronic health records can identify patients in need of social support services

July 16, 2024

Kaiser Permanente researchers developed a predictive model to help identify adults with multiple health conditions in need of social support.

New clinical tool can help identify patients at high risk for liver cancer

July 11, 2024

Kaiser Permanente researchers have developed a liver cancer prediction model for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease.

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.

Eating raw cruciferous vegetables may improve outcomes for some bladder cancer patients

June 25, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study suggests a diet that includes vegetables like broccoli and arugula may reduce the risk of recurrence in patients treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin.

Antiviral medications that treat hepatitis C improve long-term outcomes

June 17, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study identifies some patients cured of hepatitis C who may not require semi-annual surveillance for liver cancer.

Polygenic risk score may help predict breast cancer survival outcomes

May 31, 2024

Research being presented at ASCO conducted with Roswell Park Cancer Center used data from the Kaiser Permanente Pathways Study.

Some patients delay colonoscopy after positive fecal test

May 24, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds that 7.4% of patients who had a positive colorectal cancer screening test had a second test rather than a colonoscopy.

More testing may not benefit most patients with chest pain but no signs of a heart attack

May 23, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente research suggests less need for referrals for follow-up non-invasive cardiac testing.

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.

Food insecurity linked to severe low blood sugar in older patients with diabetes

May 20, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study highlights the need to ask patients about both economic and physical food insecurity.

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.

Timing of puberty varies by up to 14 months among Asian youth

May 13, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study — the first to analyze pubertal onset by Asian ethnicity — may help explain health disparities seen in Asian adults.

Long-term ultrasound testing may not be needed for older women with stable ovarian cysts

May 2, 2024

Low risk of ovarian cancer seen in new Kaiser Permanente study can provide reassurance to patients and physicians.

Emergency room physicians moving away from lumbar puncture for headache evaluation

April 19, 2024

A new Kaiser Permanente study shows a gradual shift over time has occurred in the way emergency department physicians evaluate and diagnose sudden, severe headaches.

Breast cancer survivors see cardiovascular benefit from heart-healthy diet

April 17, 2024

Women who had a heart-healthy diet at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis had a lower risk of going on to develop heart disease, new Kaiser Permanente research shows.

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.

Emailed letters can encourage people who have had a heart attack to get the flu shot

April 11, 2024

People who have had a heart attack responded better to an emailed flu shot reminder that explained the heart health benefits of the vaccine than to letters touting other reasons to get vaccinated.

Patients with low muscle quantity and quality are at higher risk of surgery complications

April 10, 2024

Computed tomography (CT) scans required prior to surgery contain information about patient frailty that can be used to identify the patients at highest risk for surgical complications, new Kaiser Permanente research shows.

Patients newly diagnosed with heart failure may have wider range of treatment options

April 7, 2024

Kaiser Permanente research may help doctors best medication for patients newly diagnosed with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

Genomic risk scores may help identify patients at higher risk for coronary heart disease

April 5, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds a polygenic risk score might help physicians identify patients at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.

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.

Modest amounts of alcohol tied to increased heart disease risk, especially in women

March 29, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds women who reported drinking 8 or more alcoholic beverages a week were more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who drank less.

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.

HER2-low breast tumors may be a distinct breast cancer subtype

March 22, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests tumors that produce low levels of the HER2 protein may have unique biological characteristics.

Racial and ethnic disparities seen in medications provided to patients with type 2 diabetes

March 19, 2024

Patients from certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to receive the newer type 2 diabetes medications that keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the risk of heart and kidney disease.

Prenatal detection rates for congenital heart disease can be achieved with fewer fetal echocardiograms

March 15, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study highlights success of its clinical pathway that refers only patients whose obstetrical screening ultrasound shows a fetal cardiac abnormality for a fetal echocardiogram.

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.

National Cancer Institute selects Kaiser Permanente for new Cancer Screening Research Network

February 21, 2024

The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, selected Kaiser Permanente Northern California as one of the institutions to launch a new national clinical trials network to evaluate emerging technologies for cancer screening.

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.

Risk of developing diabetes in children with overweight or obesity differs from that of adults

January 17, 2024

New Kaiser Permanente study identifies the overweight and obese adolescents at greatest risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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.

Amount of leisure time exercise tied to risk of cardiovascular disease

January 11, 2024

Counties that have a large number of adults who report not exercising in their free time had higher rates of death from cardiovascular disease, reported researchers from Kaiser Permanente and Massachusetts General Hospital.

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.

Mammography and self exam best for detecting second breast cancer in women treated for DCIS

January 9, 2024

Kaiser Permanente study finds a clinical breast exam by a physician was the least likely method to find a second cancer in women who had previously been treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

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.

Improving care for patients with advanced cancer

January 3, 2024

Specialized prompts integrated into patients’ electronic medical records can improve how medical oncologists discuss and document treatment goals for their advanced cancer patients, new Kaiser Permanente research shows.

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.

Early-career researchers embrace unique opportunity to improve health care  

December 11, 2023

The Division of Research is currently hosting one of its largest groups of postdoctoral research fellows.

5 Questions for . . . Ankeet Bhatt

December 6, 2023

Kaiser Permanente cardiologist and research scientist is now leading pioneering study of heart disease risk factors in Black and white men and women.

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.

Kaiser Permanente researchers and physicians showcase findings at major cardiology meeting

November 20, 2023

Presentations at the Annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia underscore the organization’s expertise and commitment to improving patient care.

Investigating racial disparities in cancer treatment response

November 17, 2023

Research Scientist Lori Sakoda, PhD, is working with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Rochester to study racial and ethnic differences in treatment response to a type of immunotherapy.

Teenage girls with reproductive health condition are more likely to have high blood pressure

November 14, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions focused on girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

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.

Peer support program helps ease physician burnout

November 1, 2023

A new Kaiser Permanente physician peer support program helped improve doctors’ well-being and had a positive impact on the culture of the medical departments that took part in the program.

Reframing the conversation on weight and cancer survivorship

October 24, 2023

In this episode of KP Research Radio, DOR Research Scientists Bette Caan, DrPH, and Elizabeth Cespedes Feliciano, ScD, explain why it’s important to include body composition in cancer research.

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.

National Academy of Medicine selects Elizabeth Cespedes Feliciano as Emerging Leader in Health and Medicine Scholar

October 3, 2023

Kaiser Permanente research scientist who studies modifiable risk factors for obesity and cancer-related metabolic diseases is one of 10 early- to mid-career professionals chosen for the class of 2023.

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.

Improving outcomes for patients with aortic stenosis

September 5, 2023

New Kaiser Permanente research suggests fine-tuning assessments of patients with moderate aortic stenosis could help improve outcomes and better determine which patients might benefit from surgery.

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.

Improving outcomes for patients with blood clots

August 18, 2023

Patients with blood clots who are on blood thinners for more than 6 months have a lower risk of developing a new blood clot if they are treated with direct oral anticoagulants rather than with warfarin.

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.

Drinking alcohol not likely to increase risk of a breast cancer recurrence

August 9, 2023

A new Kaiser Permanente study may help oncologists answer a common question from breast cancer survivors: Is it safe for me to drink alcohol?

Blood test often incorrectly estimates blood sugar control in Black adults

August 7, 2023

Kaiser Permanente researchers find the commonly used A1C lab test could potentially affect diabetes diagnoses and lead to incorrect assessments of health disparities in diabetes control.

Blood thinners still often used to treat patients with small lung blood clots

August 2, 2023

Kaiser Permanente study finds few patients with small lung blood clots qualify for surveillance and few physicians recommend it, preferring to treat patients with blood thinners.

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.

Acute kidney injury will not worsen subsequent chronic kidney disease

July 24, 2023

New research from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study, co-led by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, found mild-to-moderate acute kidney injury does not predict worsening of kidney function.

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.

Blood pressure patterns in the first half of pregnancy improve early prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

July 12, 2023

Routine blood pressure readings recorded in the first half of pregnancy can be divided into 6 distinct patterns that can effectively stratify patients by their risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational hypertension later in pregnancy.

Kaiser Permanente research included in national clinical oncology conference

July 7, 2023

Investigators from the Division of Research and physicians from The Permanente Medical Group presented research on topics ranging from care delivery to cancer survivorship at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.

Mammography AI may have a role in breast cancer risk prediction

June 6, 2023

Artificial intelligence algorithms used to read mammograms were a better predictor of a woman’s future breast cancer risk than a commonly used risk assessment tool.

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.

Remote telemonitoring for patients with heart failure did not prevent hospitalizations

May 22, 2023

New Kaiser Permanente study highlights the need to closely evaluate outcomes associated with the implementation of new technologies.

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.

Clinical trials expand options for patients with heart problems

May 18, 2023

Kaiser Permanente study teams enroll members in large, national cardiology clinical trials setting new standards for care.

Treating common stomach bacteria reduces risk of stomach cancer

May 2, 2023

Kaiser Permanente reports findings from the first large community-based study in the U.S. to assess the effect of H. pylori treatment on stomach cancer incidence.

5 Questions for . . . Dana Sax

April 27, 2023

Kaiser Permanente physician researcher conducts studies focused on ways to improve how care is provided in the emergency department.

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.

Emergency physicians correctly identify patients with lung blood clots who should be hospitalized

April 6, 2023

Kaiser Permanente study finds doctors use factors beyond risk stratification tools to determine if a patient can safely be treated at home.

Better outcomes seen in people with severe aortic stenosis who have scheduled common valve procedure

April 5, 2023

New research from Kaiser Permanente finds patients who need an emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement have greater risks.

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.

A decade of cultivating the next generation of delivery science researchers

March 22, 2023

Co-founded in 2012 by Richard W. Grant, MD, MPH, and Julie Schmittdiel, PhD, and funded by The Permanente Medical Group, the fellowship offers training and mentorship to junior investigators interested in research aimed at improving health care delivery.

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.

Atrial fibrillation may increase risk for dementia

March 8, 2023

Large Kaiser Permanente study finds a 13% greater risk of being diagnosed with dementia after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, with stronger associations seen in younger, healthier people.

Neighborhood privilege tied to timing of girls’ puberty

March 8, 2023

New Kaiser Permanente study explores the ties between racial segregation and risk factors for early puberty in Black and Latinx girls.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors took a hit during shelter-in-place in people with prediabetes

March 6, 2023

Kaiser Permanente study found that during the pandemic’s shelter-in-place mandate it was harder for people with prediabetes to exercise and feel motivated to start or maintain healthy behaviors.

5 Questions for . . . Betty Suh-Burgmann

March 3, 2023

Kaiser Permanente physician researcher Betty Suh-Burgmann established a new standardized approach for assessing ovarian cancer risk that prevents patients from having unnecessary surgery.

Common HIV medication associated with improved COVID-19 outcomes

March 1, 2023

A medication used to treat HIV and to prevent at-risk people from contracting the virus may improve COVID-19 outcomes for both groups, according to research from Kaiser Permanente published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

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.

Current air pollution standards are insufficient to reduce heart risks

February 24, 2023

Long-term exposure to air pollution is tied to an increased risk of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease — with the greatest harms impacting under-resourced communities, new Kaiser Permanente research shows.

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.

Racial and ethnic differences seen in marker of early diabetic kidney disease

February 6, 2023

Among adults with diabetes who had kidney function perceived to be normal, a marker for early diabetic kidney disease was more commonly seen in Asian adults than in white, Black, or Latino adults, a new Kaiser Permanente study found.

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.

Cancer diagnosis hastens aging in women

January 19, 2023

Kaiser Permanente study finds postmenopausal women with cancer report a greater decline in physical function than women who have not had cancer.

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.

Smoking increases risk of bladder cancer recurrence

November 30, 2022

Kaiser Permanente “Be-Well” study finds long-term history of smoking cigarettes increases the risk of a cancer recurrence in people who have been treated for bladder cancer.

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.

Blood clots in hospitalized patients tied to worse outcomes

November 21, 2022

A Kaiser Permanente study found the incidence of blood clots in hospitalized patients and those recently discharged has slowly been increasing over time.

Podcast: Improving lung cancer survival

November 16, 2022

In this episode of KP Research Radio, Lori Sakoda, PhD, a research scientist at the Division of Research, and Jeff Velotta, MD, a thoracic surgeon with The Permanente Medical Group, discuss early lung cancer detection, ways to promote equitable lung cancer care, and Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s regionalized lung cancer care program.

American Heart Association honors Kaiser Permanente researcher with award for best publication

November 10, 2022

Research scientist Erica Gunderson received the Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award for Best Scientific Publication on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Luis A. Rodriguez

October 17, 2022

Newly minted Kaiser Permanente research scientist uses his clinical experience in pediatric diabetes prevention and obesity management to shape his research questions.

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.

Largest-ever study of thoracic aortic aneurysm supports treatment guidelines

October 5, 2022

Kaiser Permanente Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease study provides high-quality evidence that most patients diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm are not likely to experience an aortic dissection.

Improving care for cancer patients

October 3, 2022

Two new papers detail how Kaiser Permanente oncology care teams restructured processes to enhance care for patients with breast and lung cancer.

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.

National quality measurements may not accurately reflect a hospital’s surgical risks

September 13, 2022

A new Kaiser Permanente study finds the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project report falls short on estimates of a patient’s risk of developing heart problems after surgery.

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.

Home-delivered, medically tailored meals may benefit recently hospitalized patients with heart failure

August 25, 2022

A new Kaiser Permanente study finds promise in ‘food as medicine’ delivery for some — but not all — patients with chronic conditions.

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.

Childhood weight tied to timing of puberty

August 23, 2022

New Kaiser Permanente study is the largest and most racially and ethnically diverse to date to show an association between early obesity and puberty onset in boys and girls.

5 Questions for . . . Theodore R. “T. R.” Levin

August 11, 2022

Kaiser Permanente research scientist and TPMG physician leads award-winning colorectal cancer screening program.

Higher street-level traffic-related air pollution linked to increased emergency room costs

August 9, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study conducted with scientists from the Environmental Defense Fund finds higher total health care costs for people with heart disease.

Not all adults newly diagnosed with diabetes equally likely to start treatment

August 4, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study found adults of certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to start medication within the first year of diagnosis.

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.

Video: Celebrating 60 years of health research

July 25, 2022

In 2022, the Division of Research celebrates more than 60 years of health care research. This new video helps tell our story.

COVID-19 vaccination not tied to postmenopausal bleeding

July 20, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study does not support anecdotal reports that postmenopausal bleeding was common after COVID-19 vaccination.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Carlos Iribarren

July 11, 2022

Kaiser Permanente research scientist’s wide-ranging interests have built an expansive epidemiology career.

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.

Bette Caan joins global Cancer Grand Challenges team

June 16, 2022

Caan joins a team of researchers who have received a $25 million Cancer Grand Challenges award to tackle the challenge of cachexia — a debilitating wasting condition people often experience in the later stages of their cancer.

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.

Not all heart failure patients require hospitalization

June 10, 2022

Kaiser Permanente researchers have developed a risk stratification tool to guide hospital admissions from the emergency department for patients with acute heart failure.

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.

Innovating health care through the decades

June 6, 2022

In 2022, the Division of Research celebrates 60 years of innovative health care research.

Cancer biopsy during colonoscopy doesn’t start new tumors

May 26, 2022

Kaiser Permanente clinical research finds patients who have a site biopsied after a suspected cancer is biopsied are not more likely to develop a second cancer.

Low stroke risk in patients with very narrowed neck arteries causing no symptoms

May 24, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study suggests medical management alone may reduce stroke risk in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Lifestyle coaching helps Black adults control high blood pressure

May 18, 2022

A new Kaiser Permanente study found that a culturally tailored program could lead to long-term benefits in adults with hypertension.

Many patients with blood clots can go home from ER

May 16, 2022

A decision support tool implemented in Kaiser Permanente Northern California emergency departments in 2016 has continued to help physicians safely discharge patients with an acute pulmonary embolism to their homes without harmful effects, a new study shows.

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 radiology reporting system decreased time to pancreatic cancer diagnoses

April 27, 2022

A new Kaiser Permanente study shows that having radiologists use standardized terms and hashtags to describe what they see creates a clearer path for physician follow-up that can lead to earlier detection of pancreatic cancer.

Heart bypass surgery may be best treatment after heart attack for some older adults

April 21, 2022

A new Kaiser Permanente study suggests that for many seniors bypass surgery may lead to better long-term outcomes than stenting.

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.

Heart attacks increased in days after 2020 election

April 20, 2022

New Kaiser Permanente study conducted in Northern and Southern California finds more hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and heart failure in the 5 days following the election.

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.

Breast cancer treatment linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

April 6, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study suggests women receiving certain common therapies for breast cancer may be at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other types of cardiovascular disease.

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.

Gene tied to breast cancer treatment outcomes identified

March 24, 2022

Study led by Kaiser Permanente research scientist Lawrence H. Kushi, ScD, will help advance precision cancer care.

Heart disease and stroke deaths up during first year of COVID-19 pandemic

March 23, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study finds reversal of prior national trends and widening racial disparities for Black, Latino, and Asian adults.

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.

Neighborhood green space tied to lower health care costs

March 18, 2022

New Kaiser Permanente research finds health care system costs were lower for people who live in greener areas.

Exercise and diet key in new, updated guideline for cancer survivors

March 16, 2022

Kaiser Permanente research scientists Lawrence H. Kushi, ScD, and Bette Caan, DrPH, contribute to new American Cancer Society survivorship guideline.

Mammography can offer clues to a woman’s heart health

March 15, 2022

Kaiser Permanente research ties the presence of breast arterial calcification seen on screening mammography to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Podcast: Telemedicine can improve cancer care

March 9, 2022

KP Research Radio explores how oncologists used phone and video appointments to expand care options for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Colorectal cancer screening program erases disparities in outcomes

February 23, 2022

Regional program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white members in Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

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.

Blood pressure patterns in early pregnancy tied to later risk of pregnancy-related hypertension complications

February 9, 2022

Kaiser Permanente research suggests blood pressure patterns seen during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy may offer critical clues to identify the patients most likely to develop high blood pressure complications later in their pregnancies.

Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infections are not explained by social risk factors

February 2, 2022

New Kaiser Permanente study suggests working and living conditions may be key contributors to disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in communities of color.

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.

Benefit of dialysis unclear for older people with chronic kidney disease and heart failure

January 31, 2022

Kaiser Permanente study highlights the need for more research on the best patient-centered care for people managing both conditions.

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.

Breast cancer survivors at increased risk for high blood pressure and diabetes

January 13, 2022

New large Kaiser Permanente study led by Marilyn L. Kwan, PhD, finds higher rate of cardiometabolic abnormalities in breast cancer survivors than in women who have not had breast cancer.

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.

Method found to remove race from controversial kidney function equations without losing accuracy

December 27, 2021

New England Journal of Medicine selects study led by research scientist Alan Go, MD, as 1 of its 14 Notable Articles of 2021 due to its potential to change medical practice and improve patient care.

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.

AI points to ways to improve doctor-patient communication

December 17, 2021

New study from Kaiser Permanente and UCSF aims to help doctors provide better care for patients with low health literacy.

People with HIV are at increased risk for heart failure

December 13, 2021

The Kaiser Permanente study found the risk difference was more pronounced in women, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and people under 40.

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.

Potential method to help assess prognosis for metastatic colorectal cancer discovered

November 29, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study led by Minggui Pan, MD, PhD, and Laurel Habel, PhD, suggests ties among mutation type, tumor location, and survival.

Spinal fractures in breast cancer survivors often tied to bone metastases

November 23, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study by Joan Lo, MD, and Marilyn Kwan, PhD, suggests studies that follow breast cancer survivors over time should differentiate between fracture types.

Hospitalizations for worsening heart failure are likely higher than current statistics suggest

November 22, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study led by research scientists Andrew Ambrosy, MD, and Alan Go, MD, used artificial intelligence to scan the electronic medical records of patients with a history of heart failure.

Smoking doubles the risk of premature heart disease

November 17, 2021

Alongside the Great American Smokeout, Kaiser Permanente research supports efforts to promote smoking cessation.

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.

Shining a light on early-onset type 2 diabetes

November 3, 2021

To mark National Diabetes Month, KP Research Radio spoke with research scientist Anjali Gopalan, MD, MS, about the unique needs of young people with diabetes or prediabetes.

5 Questions for . . . Mai Nguyen-Huynh

October 25, 2021

Kaiser Permanente neurologist and research scientist is dedicated to increasing awareness about stroke on World Stroke Day — Oct. 29 — and all year round.

Diverse new class of postdoctoral fellows adds to research strength

October 19, 2021

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research postdoctoral research program drew one of its largest-ever classes of fellows this year, building the strength of DOR’s research portfolio. Seven fellows cover fields from diet to dementia, cancer to clinical informatics, to women’s and children’s health, and more.

Kaiser Permanente researcher will co-lead $32.7 million colorectal cancer screening study

October 1, 2021

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute-funded study will be co-led by research scientist and gastroenterologist Theodore R. Levin, MD, and focus on older adults with low-risk polyps.

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.

Researchers conduct largest-ever study of abdominal aortic aneurysms

September 20, 2021

Physician researcher Robert Chang, MD, used a Kaiser Permanente Northern California patient registry to determine a patient’s risk of having a large abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture.

Raising awareness about early puberty

September 9, 2021

KP Research Radio talks to Ai Kubo, PhD, MPH, about her research into why girls are starting puberty earlier than they have in the past, risks associated with early puberty — and potential interventions.

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.

Head and neck cancer patients benefit from patient-reported outcome surveys

August 18, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study shows survey tools routinely used in clinical trials can be successfully integrated into electronic medical records.

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.

For stomach cancer patients, a regionalized cancer care program can improve survival

August 2, 2021

New study describes how patients and physicians benefitted when Kaiser Permanente Northern California established a virtual, multidisciplinary gastric cancer team.

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.

Risk of blood clots more than 3-fold higher in hospitalized adults with COVID-19

July 20, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study found Black patients as well as patients who had obesity, liver disease, or sepsis or other signs of infection were among those more likely to be at high risk for a blood clot.

‘COVID toes’ were likely not caused by COVID-19, in most cases

June 23, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study suggests the increased incidence of chilblains — or, COVID toes — seen during pandemic was related to behavior changes, not the coronavirus.

Kaiser Permanente researchers and physicians take part in leading clinical oncology conference

June 22, 2021

Research presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology annual meeting amplified the ways the Division of Research and The Permanente Medical Group advance cancer care.

Uncommon kidney disorder significantly increases risk of heart disease and end-stage kidney disease

June 18, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study findings highlight the need for patients with primary nephrotic syndrome to be identified as early as possible to prevent complications.

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.

Continuous glucose monitors help patients manage type 2 diabetes

June 2, 2021

New Kaiser Permanente study finds continuous glucose monitors are associated with improved blood sugar control and fewer visits to the emergency room for hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients treated with insulin.

Emergency care for heart attacks and strokes rebounds

June 2, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study finds declines in heart attack hospitalizations and emergency care for possible strokes reported during onset of the COVID-19 pandemic not seen in subsequent surges.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Elizabeth Cespedes Feliciano

May 25, 2021

Kaiser Permanente research scientist uses her expertise in epidemiology and nutrition to improve outcomes for cancer patients and enhance their survivorship.

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.

Most stroke patients with severe symptoms could seemingly be treated at a primary stroke center

May 3, 2021

Even if emergency personnel were able to use the best stroke assessment tool available, most patients taken directly by ambulance to a comprehensive stroke center could have been treated at a primary stroke center instead, a new Kaiser Permanente study suggests.

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.

Artificial intelligence can help improve care for people with heart disease

April 15, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study shows computerized interpretation of doctors’ echocardiogram reports can identify patients with aortic stenosis.

Sarcoma patients benefit when expert team develops treatment plan

April 14, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study by adjunct investigator and oncologist/hematologist Minggui Pan, MD, PhD, quantifies impact of a virtual tumor board for rare type of cancer.

Pandemic increased mail order pharmacy use by people with diabetes, but racial disparities persist

April 13, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study finds less use among Black, Hispanic, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients compared to white and Asian patients.

Douglas Corley elected to prestigious Association of American Physicians

April 8, 2021

The Association of American Physicians announced it has inducted Kaiser Permanente research scientist and gastroenterologist Douglas Corley, MD, PhD, MPH, into its honorary medical society.

Blood clot risk low in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients

April 5, 2021

COVID-19 patients who are not hospitalized are at low risk of developing blood clots and should not routinely be prescribed blood thinners, a new Kaiser Permanente research letter suggests.

New tool helps emergency medicine physicians provide more personalized care to patients with chest pain

March 31, 2021

Kaiser Permanente researchers have developed a more precise way to assess a patient’s risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other major heart-related problem within the next 60 days.

Stroke rate four times higher in Black young and middle-aged adults, compared to whites

March 29, 2021

Kaiser Permanente research shows the need for increased education about the dangers of high blood pressure.

Reducing deaths from colorectal cancer

March 26, 2021

KP Research Radio speaks with research scientist and gastroenterologist Jeffrey K. Lee, MD, MAS, about the studies that led to Kaiser Permanente’s successful screening program.

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.

$5.6 million awarded to Kaiser Permanente researcher to study treatments for type 2 diabetes

March 18, 2021

A research team led by Romain S. Neugebauer, PhD, received the award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to compare costs, and benefits and harms of second-line medications.

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.

American Indian, Alaska Native women less likely to start and complete hormone therapy for breast cancer

February 23, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study, believed to be the first to look at hormone therapy initiation and adherence in this population, suggests lower rates of use may be contributing to higher breast cancer death rates.

Improving care for people with heart failure

February 18, 2021

KP Research Radio spoke with cardiovascular research scientists Alan Go, MD, and Andrew Ambrosy, MD, about research aimed at improving care for people with heart failure.

Physical activity tied to reduced fracture risk in breast cancer patients on hormone therapy

February 12, 2021

Kaiser Permanente study finds regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the months following a breast cancer diagnosis has bone benefits.

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.

Gestational diabetes can be tip-off to future increased risk for heart disease

February 1, 2021

Kaiser Permanente research shows 2-fold higher risk for heart artery calcification after pregnancy through mid-life, even in women with normal blood sugar levels.

Heart failure hospitalizations and deaths vary by race and ethnicity

January 25, 2021

Black patients with heart failure have higher rates of hospitalization for heart failure but lower rates of death than white patients with heart failure, a new Kaiser Permanente study shows.

5 Questions for . . . Anjali Gopalan

January 11, 2021

Research scientist uses her experiences as a physician to design studies that focus on and can improve care for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

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.

Long-term exposure to air pollution increases risk of dying from heart disease and stroke

January 4, 2021

New study is first to quantify and compare the effects of long-term exposure to small particle pollution on risk for different types of cardiovascular disease.

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.

Gaining insight into medically complex patients

December 11, 2020

New Kaiser Permanente study aims to help providers improve the health of patients most likely to sustain high medical costs, frequently use the emergency department, or need to be hospitalized.

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.

New class of early career researchers set to improve health care delivery

November 23, 2020

Four research fellows recently joined the Division of Research postdoc program, embarking on a unique pathway for career development.

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.

Easy-to-implement intervention reduced prostate cancer screening in men 70 and over

November 5, 2020

Kaiser Permanente research found a computerized alert that notifies health care providers when a prostate cancer screening test is not recommended improved adherence to PSA screening guidelines.

Standardized reporting of chest CT scans improves odds of early lung cancer diagnosis

November 4, 2020

Kaiser Permanente study finds new classification and automated referral system benefits patients.

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

Girls who do not live with both parents more likely to start puberty early

October 28, 2020

New study by research scientist Ai Kubo, MPH, PhD, adds to the evidence suggesting a link between early life family structure and onset of puberty.

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.

Home recovery after surgery is now a mainstay for mastectomy patients

October 26, 2020

In this new episode of KP Research Radio, we talk with Brooke Vuong, MD, a breast cancer surgeon at the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, about her research on the Surgical Home Recovery Program and the impact the program has had on her patients.

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.

It’s flu season: What you need to know about the research

October 9, 2020

What does it take to be sure the annual flu vaccine is effective and safe? Research. In a podcast, Nicola Klein, head of the Vaccine Study Center, tackles some common questions about the vaccine and recent findings.

Targeted outreach can increase use of mail order pharmacies by people with diabetes

October 1, 2020

New Kaiser Permanente study found a targeted outreach campaign to people with type 2 diabetes encouraged them to use mail order pharmacy services and improved their medication adherence.

Housing instability linked with poor diabetes control

September 25, 2020

Kaiser Permanente study presented at international conference suggests moving once a year or more makes it harder for people with type 2 diabetes to adhere to their medications.

Telehealth appointments improve follow-up care in patients with heart failure

September 24, 2020

Kaiser Permanente study is the first to compare early telehealth approach to early in-person follow-up to prevent hospital readmissions.

Active tuberculosis linked to higher long-term risk of death

September 23, 2020

People who recovered from active tuberculosis had a higher long-term risk of death from any cause than similar patients who never had active tuberculosis shows a new Kaiser Permanente study.

New study aims to help older adults with type 2 diabetes cut back on medications

September 21, 2020

Richard Grant, MD, MPH, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, has received a $3.2 million, 5-year National Institutes of Health Institute on Aging grant to develop an online education program that uses advance care planning concepts to improve diabetes care for adults age 75 and older.

Helping patients make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening

September 17, 2020

Listen to our new KP Research Radio episode and learn more about the risks and benefits of the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Esti Iturralde

September 1, 2020

Clinical psychologist and mental health services researcher Esti Iturralde, PhD, aims to improve the overall health of people with mental illness.

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.

Kaiser Permanente joins late-stage COVID-19 vaccine study

August 12, 2020

The Division of Research has joined a phase 3 clinical trial testing a Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Northwest join them in this global effort.

Emergency rooms see decrease in stroke patients after onset of COVID-19

August 11, 2020

The new Kaiser Permanente study findings support previous research that suggests fear of contracting the novel coronavirus in a medical setting may have kept people from receiving critically needed medical care.

5 Questions for . . . Marvin Langston

July 28, 2020

Early career researcher Marvin Langston, PhD, MPH, studies potential links between infections, inflammation, and cancer as well as racial/ethnic and sexual minority health disparities.

Fewer endometrial cancer diagnoses made during COVID-19 pandemic

July 23, 2020

The number of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer in Kaiser Permanente Northern California during the first 12 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic was more than one-third lower than what would be expected, a new Kaiser Permanente study found.

Early colorectal cancer screening benefits African Americans

July 20, 2020

Kaiser Permanente researchers showed starting annual colorectal cancer screening at age 45 in African Americans can find colorectal cancers at a rate similar to that seen when screening starts after age 50 — the age most guidelines currently recommend.

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 develop new prostate cancer risk calculator

July 13, 2020

A new prostate cancer risk calculator developed by Kaiser Permanente Northern California researchers may help men going through prostate cancer screening decide whether to have a prostate biopsy.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Stephen Van Den Eeden

June 24, 2020

Research scientist Stephen Van Den Eeden, PhD, is a co-founder of the California Men’s Health Study, one of the largest and longest-running cohort studies of men in the world.

Which patients choose telemedicine over in-person primary care?

June 17, 2020

A new study in JAMA Network Open of patients who self-scheduled a video or phone visit at Kaiser Permanente Northern California shows that patients were more likely to choose telemedicine over an office visit if they were younger, female, or faced logistical challenges.

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.

Breast tissue inflammation and breast cancer: What’s the connection?

June 9, 2020

Kaiser Permanente researcher receives $4.5 million from the National Cancer Institute to study link between inflammation in the breast’s fatty tissue and breast cancer outcomes.

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.

Blood test to identify risk for diabetes after pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes now one step closer

May 20, 2020

New findings from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research SWIFT Study in PLOS Medicine advance a potential blood test to predict which women with gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Large decrease in hospitalized heart attack patients seen during COVID-19 pandemic

May 19, 2020

New research by Kaiser Permanente shows the weekly number of patients admitted to Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with acute myocardial infarction (heart attacks) fell to nearly half of what would be expected after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 pandemic brings telehealth center stage for oncologists and their patients

May 4, 2020

A new Kaiser Permanente research paper explains how Kaiser Permanente Northern California quickly ramped up its existing telehealth oncology program at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Population-level estimates show wide age range of adults hospitalized with COVID-19

April 24, 2020

A JAMA study, using data on patients hospitalized in March from all 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, is one of the first U.S. studies to look at overall hospitalization admissions of COVID-19 patients.

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.

Emergency physicians can use clinical experience to accurately predict whether a child has appendicitis

April 2, 2020

A new study shows high success rates for experienced emergency physicians who use the sum of their clinical expertise to make an initial prediction about whether a child has appendicitis — especially in low-risk cases.

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.

David Baer, MD: A passion for cancer research

March 2, 2020

David Baer, MD, cofounded the KP Oncology Clinical Trials program in the 1980s. He has enrolled significant numbers of patients in these trials, and helped expand the regional effort into a national KP program. As a leading member of the Northern California Central Research Committee for most of his career, he provides valuable experience in the practicality of research within Kaiser Permanente.

Depression, anxiety, trauma associated with elevated odds of cannabis use during pregnancy

February 19, 2020

In a new study, researchers from Kaiser Permanente have shown that depression, anxiety, and trauma during pregnancy are associated with prenatal marijuana use.

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.

The New Faces of Research

January 16, 2020

Diabetes, medication safety, and understanding chronic conditions are just some of the research areas a new class of postdoctoral fellows at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research will support. The 3 early-career researchers began their appointments this past year.

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.

Physician researchers seek insights to deliver better care

December 17, 2019

Partnership brings TPMG clinicians to the Division of Research to evaluate care and implement solutions; introducing the 2nd class of physician researchers, and their projects.

More metastatic prostate cancers found after change in screening guidelines

December 10, 2019

In the years after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA-based screening in all men, many fewer men were diagnosed with prostate cancer but more were found to have advanced cancers, according to a large Kaiser Permanente study published today in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

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.

Body fatness affects chemo dosages, contributing to increased risk of breast cancer death

December 5, 2019

Women with greater adiposity, or body fatness, were significantly less likely to receive all of the recommended chemotherapy dose to treat their breast cancer, and they were subsequently 30% more likely to die from the disease as a result, according to research published in JAMA Oncology.

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.

KP Research Radio: Epidemic of deaths due to heart failure underway in U.S.

October 29, 2019

Deaths due to heart failure are increasing in the United States, particularly among the over-age-65 population, according to Kaiser Permanente research published today in JAMA Cardiology.

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.

KP Research Radio: A promising treatment for ovarian cancer

October 7, 2019

5 Questions for…Dr. Michael A. Bookman, co-leader of a clinical trial that could provide an important new treatment option for women with advanced gynecological cancers.

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.

Use of insulin among older adults with type 2 diabetes not aligned with national guidelines

September 23, 2019

Listen on KP RESEARCH RADIO:
“What we learned is that contrary to recommendations from leading societies, sicker patients were more likely to be on insulin, and over time were less likely to be discontinued from their insulin.”
– Dr. Richard Grant, senior author of study in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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.

Teen bedtime and sleeping patterns can influence risk of obesity and poor cardiometabolic health

September 16, 2019

Adolescent sleep timing preferences and patterns should be considered risk factors for obesity and cardiometabolic health, according to a new study by researchers with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and Massachusetts General Hospital.

At-home dialysis improves quality of life

September 9, 2019

The new KP Research Radio podcast looks at how the expansion of at-home dialysis in Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region is improving the quality of life of patients with end-stage kidney disease.

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.

5 Questions for . . . Drew Ambrosy

August 14, 2019

“To this day, my research interests and clinical practice remain intimately linked, and I firmly believe patient care drives the scientific process, and vice versa.”

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.

Kaiser Permanente research shows mastectomy patients recover safely at home

August 7, 2019

A study in Annals of Surgical Oncology finds that the rate of home recovery after mastectomy increased from 23% regionwide to 61% in the 6 months after the program started, with no significant changes in emergency-department visits, reoperations, or readmissions.

Body composition linked to cardiovascular risk in breast cancer survivors

August 1, 2019

Body composition, especially excess central adiposity or intra-abdominal fat, can result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in normal-weight breast cancer survivors, a large new Kaiser Permanente study shows.

Use of CT scans during pregnancy increased in U.S. and Canada over 2 decades

July 24, 2019

A large, multicenter study of advanced medical imaging in pregnancy, published in JAMA Network Open and co-led by Marilyn Kwan, PhD, found that CT scans were performed in 0.8% of pregnancies in the United States and 0.4% in Ontario in 2016; these rates increased nearly fourfold in the United States and doubled in Ontario over the 21 years.

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.

New study finds both components of blood pressure predict heart attack, stroke risk

July 17, 2019

“This research brings a large amount of data to bear on a basic question, and it gives such a clear answer,” said lead author Alexander C. Flint, MD, PhD, Kaiser Permanente stroke specialist and adjunct researcher with the Division of Research. “Every way you slice the data, the systolic and diastolic pressures are both important.”

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.

Clinical tool accurately predicts children’s appendicitis risk in Kaiser Permanente emergency rooms

June 19, 2019

Erring on the side of caution, emergency physicians tend to order CT scans to evaluate appendicitis in children, “but research shows that we weren’t necessarily catching more appendicitis,” Dr. Cotton said. “CT scans are costly and expose children to ionizing radiation that can increase the risk of cancer. At the same time, emergency physicians do not want to miss an important diagnosis like appendicitis.”

‘Motivational interview’ may lessen problem drinking in people with HIV

June 11, 2019

A single, 45-minute “motivational interview” with two 20-minute follow-up phone calls may help people with HIV who report unhealthy drinking reduce their alcohol intake, say researchers at UC San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente.

Pregnancy history of red-blood-cell donors not linked to higher mortality in transfusion recipients

June 11, 2019

Division of Research investigators participated in a multi-institution collaborative analysis, which supported the safety of current transfusion practice within Kaiser Permanente’s network of community hospitals.

Waning potency of pertussis vaccine a significant contributor to recent whooping cough outbreaks

June 9, 2019

Children who were up to date on their pertussis vaccine schedule were far less likely to develop the disease than those unvaccinated. The risk of vaccinated children becoming ill increased with time since vaccination, suggesting waning effectiveness.

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.

American Diabetes Association honors Kaiser Permanente researcher with its Norbert Freinkel Award

May 28, 2019

The American Diabetes Association’s 2019 Norbert Freinkel Award has been presented to Kaiser Permanente researcher Assiamira Ferrara, MD, PhD, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the understanding and treatment of diabetes in pregnancy.

Mother’s pregnancy weight linked to early puberty in daughters

May 23, 2019

A Kaiser Permanente study of more than 2,000 mothers and daughters found that the amount of weight mothers gained during pregnancy — whether too much or too little — was linked to the earlier onset of puberty in their daughters; the associations were even stronger when the mothers were overweight or obese at the beginning of the pregnancy.

New study data suggests revising heart disease management guidelines for colon cancer survivors

May 16, 2019

“This study demonstrates the importance at every BMI level of having more precise measures of muscle and fat to help identify those patients who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease,” said co-author Bette J. Caan, DrPH.

5 questions for . . . Richard Grant

May 14, 2019

“As a first-year medical student, I enjoyed learning about the pathophysiology of disease. But as I gained more experience caring for patients suffering from these diseases, I realized I wanted to focus more on understanding the patient’s experience.”

Large study links genetic marker of aging to greater neighborhood deprivation

May 6, 2019

Genetics research suggests that longer telomeres — the “end caps” of DNA that keep strands of chromosomes from unraveling — mean more years of healthy life ahead.

Video visits convenient and high quality, Kaiser Permanente members say

April 30, 2019

Nine out of 10 Kaiser Permanente members who had a primary-care video visit were confident in the quality of care received, reported that the provider was familiar with their medical history, and felt that their health care needs were adequately addressed.

Intervention, referrals lead to reduced health care needs for adolescents with substance abuse disorders

April 23, 2019

A new study suggests that the benefits to adolescent teens of screenings, interventions, and referrals can last for many years and can include sustained reductions in mental health conditions.

5 Questions for . . . Stacy Sterling

April 3, 2019

The former social worker now researches how to prevent and treat alcohol abuse in primary care. She’s looking at ways to reduce alcohol, drug, and other behavioral health problems in at-risk children, adolescents, and adults.

Fewer Reproductive Years May Be Linked to an Increased Risk of Dementia

March 27, 2019

Women who start their period later, go through menopause earlier or have a hysterectomy may have a greater risk of developing dementia, according to a new study led by Kaiser Permanente researchers and published in the journal, Neurology.

“I Owe My Life to the Test”

March 20, 2019

Coinciding with Colon Cancer Awareness Month (March), Kaiser Permanente Northern California received the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s prestigious “80% by 2018” National Achievement Award, in recognition of screening rates over 83 percent for colorectal cancer.

Kaiser Permanente Substance Abuse Researcher Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

March 20, 2019

The Research Society on Alcoholism awarded its 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award to Constance (Connie) Weisner, DrPH, for a “long, balanced career including outstanding research, training, service, and advocacy.”

5 Questions for . . . Bette Caan

March 18, 2019

Does weight gain — or loss — change a breast cancer patient’s cancer outcome? What about muscle mass? Epidemiologist Bette Caan wanted to find out about that, and more.

Temperament of Babies Born to Mothers with Diabetes During Pregnancy Linked to Childhood Obesity

March 11, 2019

Kaiser Permanente prospective study finds that easier-to-soothe babies were more likely to be obese by age 5, and more likely to have started drinking sugared beverages during the first 6 months of life.

New Guidelines for Perinatal Depression are Important, but Barriers Remain

February 12, 2019

New recommendations suggest that clinicians should provide or refer pregnant and postpartum women who are at increased risk of perinatal depression to counseling interventions. These recommendations are “an important step forward” wrote research scientists and doctors at Kaiser Permanente, in a JAMA Pediatrics editorial.

Kaiser Permanente Teledermatology Finds More Skin Cancers with Fewer Dermatology Visits

February 11, 2019

Primary care physicians take high-resolution pictures of skin lesions with a dermatoscope and digital camera, then transmit them to dermatologists via the electronic health record.

The New Faces of Health Care Research, Pt. 2

January 30, 2019

In part 2 of our profile series, meet the last three of the seven early-career researchers who began their post-doctoral appointments this past year and represent not only diverse communities but diverse research interests as well.

The New Faces of Health Care Research

January 22, 2019

Seven early-career researchers began their post-doctoral appointments this past year and represent not only diverse communities but diverse research interests as well. This is Part 1 of our new class profile.

Linking Smoking Interventions to Surgery Yields Successful Outcomes

January 18, 2019

A pilot program to help people quit smoking by focusing interventions around surgery time improved patients’ ability to sustain quitting in the 30 days following hospital discharge.

Work by the Division of Research Makes Top JAMA Lists for 2018

January 14, 2019

The JAMA Network, the publication home for numerous top-tier journals from the American Medical Association, released a list of the “Most Talked About Articles” in each of their various publications for 2018. DOR research appears on four lists.

Mom’s Poor Diet in Pregnancy Linked to Baby’s Higher Weight at Birth

January 8, 2019

Kaiser Permanente study shows replacing empty calories with whole grains lead to a 25 percent decreased risk of large-for-gestational age offspring.

For Hospitalized Patients with Moderate Anemia, Study Supports Limiting Transfusions

December 17, 2018

Data from Kaiser Permanente supports long-term safety of limiting red blood cell transfusion in hospitalized patients with moderate anemia.

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds 10-Year Follow-up Interval After Negative Colonoscopies Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Mortality

December 17, 2018

Ten years after a negative colonoscopy, Kaiser Permanente members had 46 percent lower risk of being diagnosed with and were 88 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer compared with those who did not undergo colorectal cancer screening.

Mentorship Comes Full Circle for Gastroenterologist Jeffrey Lee

December 12, 2018

Building on years of collaboration, a doctor crosses the San Francisco Bay to continue his work on colorectal cancer prevention with the research team of his mentor.

Kaiser Permanente “Tele-triage” of Chest Pain Safely Reduces Emergency Room Visits

December 3, 2018

A new Kaiser Permanente study led by Dana Sax, MD, published today in the December issue of the journal Health Affairs, found that “tele-triage” of patients with chest pain over the phone can safely and effectively direct people to the right place for receiving care.

5 Questions for . . . Michael Silverberg

November 28, 2018

With December 1 marking World AIDS Day, this infectious disease expert looks at the state of HIV/AIDS research. And despite his Northern California location, admits he’s a diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan.

Abdominal Obesity in Early Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes

November 21, 2018

Measures of abdominal obesity in early pregnancy may inform early screening and prevention strategies for gestational diabetes, according to Kaiser Permanente study.  

Emotional Abuse, PTSD Linked with Menopause Misery

November 19, 2018

A Kaiser Permanente study of more than 2,000 midlife and older women found that one in five had been emotionally abused by their current or former partners, and that these women had 50 percent higher odds of night sweats and 60 percent higher odds of painful sex.

5 Questions for . . . Julie Schmittdiel

November 5, 2018

The math major-turned diabetes researcher now also leads several training programs, helping to form a new generation of researchers.

Menopause Journal Highlights Three DOR Studies as Among Most Significant in Their History

November 2, 2018

The journal Menopause selected three DOR studies for its 25th commemorative issue highlighting the most important studies in the journal’s history.

To Ward off Fatty Liver, Breast is Best for Mom

November 1, 2018

Kaiser Permanente researchers and colleagues find that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was less likely to occur in mothers who breastfed for 6 months or more.

Delivering the Next Generation of Diabetes Scientists

October 31, 2018

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research has received a T32 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to train young scientists in translating research into practice for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

5 Questions for . . . Steve Sidney

October 24, 2018

“If other health care systems and providers had adopted Kaiser Permanente’s approach and achieved the same rate of decline, I estimated in this latest National Forum report that 40,000 heart disease and stroke deaths in this age group would have been prevented in 2015 alone.”

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.

Kaiser Permanente Research Featured at ID Week 2018

October 16, 2018

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research scientists recently presented research on influenza vaccines, colorectal screening outcomes in HIV-infected individuals, a genetic basis for fever after measles-containing vaccines, and more at ID Week, a leading conference on infectious diseases.

Heart Health Improves After Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

October 16, 2018

People who were severely obese and had diabetes had 40 percent fewer heart attacks and strokes — and 67 percent fewer deaths — within 5 years after bariatric weight-loss surgery.

Flu Vaccine Prevents Flu-Related Hospitalizations in Pregnant Women

October 11, 2018

Kaiser Permanente collaborated with CDC researchers to study the effectiveness of flu vaccinations in preventing influenza-associated hospitalizations during pregnancy.

A Better Way to Assess Ovarian Cancer Risk

October 10, 2018

New radiology guidelines developed by Kaiser Permanente gynocological oncologist and researcher Betty Suh-Burgman, MD, allow women at higher risk for ovarian cancer to be promptly referred for surgical evaluation while women at low risk can safely avoid surgery.

We Do Video Visits

October 10, 2018

Kaiser Permanente members who chose video visits were overwhelmingly satisfied with this new way to “see” their doctor, according to research correspondence published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

First Genetic Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction Identified

October 8, 2018

For the first time, a team of researchers, led by Kaiser Permanente, has found a specific place in the human genome that raises a person’s risk of erectile dysfunction.

KP Emergency Services Physicians Honored for Research

October 2, 2018

KP CREST, a multi-center collaborative network based at the Division of Research that encourages, enables, and executes research in emergency medicine, are 2018 recipients of TPMG’s Morris F. Collen Research Award.

5 Questions for . . . Candyce Kroenke

October 1, 2018

“As long as I can remember, my family was interested in how diet and lifestyle influenced health and longevity. It was like living life according to an epidemiological textbook!”

Traumatic Brain Injuries Associated with Increased Dementia Risk in People with Type 1 Diabetes

September 26, 2018

As people with type 1 diabetes age, new research from Kaiser Permanente shows how traumatic brain injury could be a risk factor for their developing dementia.

Study Finds Wide Variations in Projected Heart Benefits of Anti-Blood-Clotting Medications for People with Atrial Fibrillation

September 24, 2018

The reported rates of ischemic stroke in four large studies vary substantially, creating uncertainty about the predicted benefits of anticoagulation medication, according to new findings in Annals of Internal Medicine by Kaiser Permanente researchers and colleagues.

Q&A: Talking Flu Shots with Nicola Klein, Director of Kaiser Permanente’s Vaccine Study Center

September 19, 2018

Dr. Klein’s latest research raised some interesting questions about when influenza vaccinations are most effective, so we spoke with her to learn more and answer some common flu vaccine questions.

Primary Care is an Untapped Resource for Depression Screening

September 10, 2018

A new study has identified at-risk populations for which depression screening combined with hazardous alcohol use screening could catch depressive symptoms that might otherwise go untreated.

Kaiser Permanente Receives $7 Million to Better Identify Those at Risk of Getting Cancer

August 24, 2018

A research team at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research has been awarded $7 million that will allow them to assess three different methods for acquiring and acting on family history, from initial acquisition to final results.

Women with Pregnancy-related Nausea and Vomiting Use Marijuana More

August 20, 2018

New Kaiser Permanente study adds evidence to body of research suggesting pregnant women are using marijuana to self-medicate morning sickness.

Researcher Spotlight: Susan Brown’s Deep Roots in Disease Prevention Research

August 13, 2018

Brown, a research scientist, reflects on her family’s unique connection to Kaiser Permanente and carrying forward her mother’s belief in the importance of disease prevention research.

Integrated Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Saves Lives

August 8, 2018

Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California are 52 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer since the health care system launched a comprehensive, organized screening program, according to a new study in the specialty’s top journal, Gastroenterology.

“Catch-up” HPV Vaccination Works for Females up to Age 20 Years at First Dose, Not Older Ages

August 7, 2018

Kaiser Permanente study confirms recommendations for catch-up HPV vaccination with 3 doses in females aged 15 to 20, but not when started at or after age 21.

5 Questions for . . . Marilyn Kwan

August 6, 2018

Marilyn Kwan’s research focuses on how wellness factors affect survivorship in breast and bladder cancer patients. Kwan is a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer; she hopes to some day conduct lifestyle research involving CrossFit in cancer survivors.

PHOTOS: Kaiser Permanente Research Prominently Featured at AIDS 2018 conference

August 3, 2018

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research scientists recently presented new research on associations between hazardous drinking, heart failure and HIV at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam.

“Reading” Patient Data to Personalize Medical Treatment

July 30, 2018

Delivery Science fellow Alison Fohner is learning to apply advanced computational tools to vast datasets, revealing new patterns that could improve treatment of sepsis and other conditions.

Making Mindfulness Feasible for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

July 10, 2018

Kaiser Permanente research scientist and yoga teacher Ai Kubo harnesses a popular smartphone app to fulfill her longtime goal of spreading the benefits of mindfulness scientifically.

Partners of Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patients More Likely to Adopt Healthy Behaviors

July 9, 2018

Partners of people with newly diagnosed diabetes are more likely to improve their health behaviors than partners of people without the disease, according to a large new Kaiser Permanente study published today in Annals of Family Medicine.

Obesity, High Blood Pressure and Glucose Intolerance Associated with Higher Risk of C-sections

July 3, 2018

Kaiser Permanente study provides detailed information on links between cardiometabolic conditions and cesarean sections.

Empowering Data to Improve Health

July 2, 2018

The Division of Research’s Douglas Corley will be responsible for developing and implementing a new research program in The Permanente Medical Group that will advance the creation of evidence-driven strategies to improve the delivery of health care.

Expensive Insulin Analogs Perform No Better Than NPH Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes

June 23, 2018

For patients with type 2 diabetes in usual practice, the use of the more expensive insulin analogs did not appear to result in better safety or better blood sugar control compared with NPH insulin.

5 Questions for . . . Alyce Adams

June 20, 2018

Alyce Adams, PhD, tackles 5 questions about the barriers to health care among vulnerable patient populations and her motivation towards finding solutions.

Large, Diverse Study Identifies 9 New Locations in the Genome Linked with Glaucoma

June 11, 2018

Kaiser Permanente research reveals new insights into variability in glaucoma risk within self-reported race/ethnicity groups.

Psychiatric Disorders, Stress-Related Medical Conditions, and Health Care Visits Rise Following Sexual Assault

June 4, 2018

Kaiser Permanente research provides the best evidence to date on the association between sexual assault, health disorders and healthcare use.

Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitals Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Failure

May 17, 2018

Hospitalized patients who experience acute kidney injury face a 44 percent greater risk of heart failure during their first year after leaving the hospital, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study.

Greater Burden of Atrial Fibrillation Linked to Higher Stroke Risk

May 16, 2018

Continuous heart monitoring may help physicians identify patients at higher risk and tailor treatments.

Fighting Strokes at Lightspeed

May 15, 2018

Neurologists of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Stroke FORCE team get clot-busting alteplase to patients twice as fast as the national average.

Kaiser Permanente Data Helps Create Street-level View of the Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Oakland

May 15, 2018

Google’s Street View mapping cars have been mapping more than roads lately. Outfitted with new sensors to measure traffic-related air pollution, the cars roamed the streets of Oakland to create a block-by-block map of air pollution in three neighborhoods.

Division of Research’s Theodore Levin, MD, honored for colorectal cancer screening program

May 7, 2018

DOR’s Theodore (TR) Levin, MD, is one of four recipients of The Permanente Medical Group’s 2018 Sidney R. Garfield Exceptional Contribution Awards, for pioneering efforts to expand colorectal cancer screening.

Pokémon Go Craze Saw More Benefits than Injuries for Kaiser Permanente Patients

May 2, 2018

A study of patients’ electronic medical records shows that, at the height of its popularity, the smartphone game resulted in injuries similar to those linked with other moderate-intensity outdoor activities.

Kaiser Permanente Dataset Helps ID Dozens of Genetic Markers for Depression

April 30, 2018

By analyzing the genomes of people with depression and comparing them with the genomes of people without depression, a global team, including Kaiser Permanente researchers, identified 44 specific places in the human genome with links to depression.

Caring for Adults with Autism

April 27, 2018

April is Autism Awareness Month; a new body of Kaiser Permanente research highlights the needs of people with autism transitioning from pediatric to adult health care.

Rare Cancer Carefully Tracked and Treated

April 26, 2018

Technology allows a panel of urologists and oncologists to provide the most up-to-date treatment for every single person with testicular cancer at Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

NCI Funds New 5-year, $16M, Program to Understand Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening

April 26, 2018

Researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research will lead a consortium evaluating colorectal cancer as part of the NCI’s Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process program.

5 Questions for . . . Lisa Croen

April 19, 2018

Kaiser Permanente autism researcher answers 5 questions about what motivated her to move into this research field and the challenges in better understanding these disorders.

Personalized Letter Improves Pregnancy Weight for Women with Gestational Diabetes

April 18, 2018

Women with gestational diabetes who received a tailored letter with personalized weight-gain recommendations were significantly more likely to meet national weight-gain guidelines, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in Diabetes Care.

Low Blood Sugar Emergencies Usually Go Unreported in Medical Records

April 16, 2018

A study of diabetes patients at Kaiser Permanente suggests that severe episodes of hypoglycemia occur far more often than is captured in electronic medical records, pointing to a nationwide need for improved tracking of these events.

Maternal weight and hyperglycemia linked to early puberty onset in girls

April 16, 2018

In a study of more than 15,000 girls and their mothers — all Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California — maternal overweight and hyperglycemia were linked to the earlier onset of puberty in girls 6 to 11 years old.

Muscle and Fat: How They Affect the Survival of Patients with Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer

April 5, 2018

New Kaiser Permanente study shows a better identification of low muscle and high fat might lead to better outcomes A...

In Reducing Deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke, Kaiser Permanente Outpaces Nation

April 3, 2018

Death rates from heart disease and stroke in adults under age 65 are lower and dropping faster for Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California than in the rest of the United States, according to new research published today in the American Journal of Medicine.

Children With Autism and Their Younger Siblings Less Likely to Be Fully Vaccinated

March 26, 2018

Children with autism and their younger siblings are significantly less likely to be fully vaccinated than the general population, according to new research published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Integrated Program Improves Heart and Stroke Risk Factors in Those With Diabetes

March 22, 2018

Over a 10-year period, control of three key cardiovascular risk factors improved faster for Kaiser Permanente diabetes patients in Northern California than in the rest of the United States, according to research published in the American Journal of Medicine.

A Heart-to-Heart for Researchers

March 20, 2018

The second Cardiovascular Research Symposium drew approximately 80 people including researchers, sub-specialty physicians, quality and operational staff, and others from across Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. It was convened at the Division of Research (DOR) in Oakland by Alan S. Go, MD, DOR’s associate director of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions Research.

Eight Weeks or Twelve? Kaiser Permanente Study Shows Shorter Hepatitis C Regimen Effective in Black Patients

March 15, 2018

A new study shows that a treatment regimen of 8 weeks for hepatitis C may be just as effective as 12 weeks in black patients. The study also showed that more people overall can take advantage of the shorter treatment durations, which has important implications for access given the medication’s high cost.

5 Questions for . . . Doug Corley

March 13, 2018

Kaiser Permanente gastroenterologist answers 5 questions about his research into colon cancer, what sparked his interest, and things about the colon you may never have known.

Member Health Survey Informs Care

March 7, 2018

Every three years since 1993, the Member Health Survey has been reaching out to members to find out what they are doing — and not doing — to stay healthy, helping Kaiser Permanente to better understand its membership and how to serve their health needs.

5 Questions for… Matthew Solomon

February 14, 2018

Matthew Solomon, MD, a Kaiser Permanente cardiologist and researcher, answers 5 questions about himself and the mysteries of the heart.

New Kaiser Permanente Study Improves Follow-up of Chest Pain in Emergency Department Patients

February 13, 2018

OAKLAND, Calif. — A new study, which reviewed more than 118,000 patients arriving at Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California emergency departments...

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.

Historic Kaiser Permanente Artifact Donated to Smithsonian Institution

January 24, 2018

The Smithsonian recently received punch cards used in Kaiser Permanente’s multiphasic exam; the Division of Research (then the Medical Records Research) received its first U.S. Public Health Service grant to automate the results in 1962.

30-Year National Study Shows Women Who Breastfeed for 6 Months or More Reduce their Diabetes Risk by 50%

January 16, 2018

In a long-term national study, breastfeeding for six months or longer cuts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes nearly in half for women throughout their childbearing years, according to new Kaiser Permanente research published Jan. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

New Kaiser Permanente Study Reveals an Increase in Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

December 26, 2017

A new study from the Division of Research, using data from almost 300,000 pregnant women treated at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, found that maternal prenatal marijuana use increased from 4 to 7 percent from 2009 to 2016.

Kaiser Permanente stroke patients receive clot-busting medication more than twice as fast as national rates

December 15, 2017

Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California are delivering clot-busting medication to new stroke patients more than twice as fast as the national average. This follows the region-wide adoption of an integrated telemedicine program, according to new research published December 15 in the journal Stroke.

Large Genome Study Reveals Record Number of DNA Loci Linked with Eye Pressure

December 15, 2017

Analysis of DNA from nearly 70,000 Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients uncovered 47 specific positions, or loci, in the genome that are associated with variations in pressure inside the eye. The findings could help clarify how elevated eye pressure leads to glaucoma.

New Kaiser Permanente Study Provides Evidence of Health Risks Linked to Electromagnetic Field Exposure

December 14, 2017

A Kaiser Permanente study of real-world exposure to non-ionizing radiation from magnetic fields in pregnant women found a significantly higher rate of miscarriage, providing new evidence regarding their potential health risks.

Urban American-Indian and Alaskan Natives May Have Lower Survival Following Invasive Prostate and Breast Cancer

December 1, 2017

Compared with the non-Hispanic white (NHW) population, the urban American-Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) community was more likely to have lower survival rates following invasive prostate and breast cancer, according to results published by Kaiser Permanente researchers and colleagues in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Asso​ciation for Cancer Research.

World’s Most Impactful Researchers List Includes Kaiser Permanente Northern California Scientist and Oncologist

November 30, 2017

Alan Go, MD, of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, and Kaiser Permanente Northern California oncologist Louis Fehrenbacher, MD, are among the less than 400 people named as Highly Cited Researchers in clinical medicine for 2017 by Clarivate Analytics. The annual list recognizes investigators whose research ranks in the top 1 percent most cited works in their field, indicating exceptional scientific impact.

Patient portals a helping hand for families

November 22, 2017

A new study – designed with the direct assistance of Kaiser Permanente members who use kp.org – shows just how valuable the patient portal has become for helping family members to participate in each other’s care.

DOR’s Steve Sidney honored by National Forum for “exceptional contributions,” research on U.S. heart disease trends

November 1, 2017

The Division of Research’s Stephen Sidney, MD, MPH was honored by the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention for his “exceptional contributions” as well as his work on understanding national trends in cardiovascular disease.

Delivery Science fellowship powers nuanced cancer care research

October 31, 2017

Patients with cancer often face barriers to optimal care, and Devon Check, PhD, a second-year Delivery Science Fellow in the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, seeks to understand these hurdles inside and out.

Early Adversity, Birthplace Contribute to Lifelong Racial Disparities in Dementia Risk

September 28, 2017

Two studies presented by Kaiser Permanente researchers Rachel Whitmer, PhD, and Paola Gilsanz, ScD, at an Alzheimer’s conference in July found that early life adversity and birthplace contribute to racial disparities in dementia rates, and that these disparities persist even among the oldest of the elderly.

Targeted analysis program seeks quick answers to pressing health care questions

September 5, 2017

An innovative program based at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research is breaking down barriers between researchers and clinical leadership, allowing them to work together on short-term projects that can directly and quickly impact care.

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.

Physician researchers build bridges to health care innovation

June 27, 2017

David Vinson, MD, has been conducting research on nights and weekends for much of his 17-year career as an emergency-room physician in The Permanente Medical Group. A new program sponsored by TPMG will allow him to dedicate a portion of his clinical work week to research, while collaborating with investigators at the Division of Research.

Meet the Division of Research’s inaugural class of physician researchers

June 27, 2017

ROBERT CHANG, MD Vascular Surgery, South San Francisco “I’m thrilled to be a part of TPMG’s focus on clinical research...

Translating Research Into Improved Women’s Health Care

June 14, 2017

Elizabeth “Betty” Suh-Burgmann, MD, says her latest research project was “born out of frustration with the state of affairs” for managing adnexal masses in women. Like gynecological oncologists across the nation, she saw many women at her Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek practice undergo surgeries to determine whether small masses in their ovaries were benign or cancerous.

Edmund (Ted) Van Brunt, former Kaiser Permanente research director and pioneer of electronic health records, dies at age 91

June 5, 2017

Edmund (Ted) Van Brunt, MD, former director of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and a pioneer in the use of electronic health records in medical science, died at his home in Berkeley on May 19, 2017. He was 91 years old.

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...

Maternal Pertussis Vaccination Reduces Risk for Newborns by More Than 90 Percent

April 2, 2017

Among infants of women who received the Tdap pertussis booster vaccine during pregnancy, the risk of contracting pertussis was reduced...

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...

Sepsis Risk Prediction Model Decreases Use of Antibiotics in Newborns

February 20, 2017

Kaiser Permanente, the largest integrated health system in the nation, led the development of a neonatal sepsis risk calculator that...

Kaiser Permanente Study: Telephone Wellness Coaching Aids Significant Weight Loss

January 25, 2017

Kaiser Permanente members who voluntarily participated in individual wellness coaching by telephone for weight management lost an average of 10...

Kaiser Permanente Study Shows Women with More Social Connections Have Higher Breast Cancer Survival Rates

December 11, 2016

In a large Kaiser Permanente study of women with invasive breast cancer, socially integrated women — those with the most...

Heartfelt Thanks for Heart Study Participants

November 21, 2016

Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson thanks CARDIA study participants for 30 years of contributions to medical research....

Kaiser Permanente to Examine Role of Environmental Factors in Childhood Obesity and Developmental Disorders

November 15, 2016

Kaiser Permanente researchers have received a major new grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how exposures to...

Should older people without heart disease take statins?

November 14, 2016

JAMA Viewpoint article highlights uncertainties about risks vs. benefits in elderly While many Americans take statins to protect their heart...

UCSF and Kaiser Permanente to Study Benefits and Harms of New and Older Blood-Thinning Drugs

August 5, 2016

Research to focus on preventing deadly blood clots in veins and lungs The University of California, San Francisco and Kaiser...

Heart Attacks Continue Notable 15-year Decline in Northern California

August 1, 2016

Kaiser Permanente study finds dramatic, ongoing improvements linked to population-based prevention and care Heart attack rates among an ethnically diverse...

Historic Kaiser Permanente Data to Aid in Long-Term Study to Determine Extent of Ethnic Disparities in Brain Health and Dementia

July 13, 2016

New $13 million study funded by National Institute on Aging will revisit patients who were first screened as long as...

Kaiser Permanente Adopts Recommended Preventive Procedure for Ovarian Cancer Without Adversely Affecting Surgical Outcomes

July 11, 2016

A surgical procedure recommended to reduce the future risk of ovarian cancer has been successfully implemented throughout Kaiser Permanente in...

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds National Rates of Death Due to Heart Disease and Stroke Leveling Off

June 30, 2016

After more than a decade of steady improvements, the decline in mortality rates from heart disease and stroke has slowed...

Transforming the Health Care Response to Domestic Violence

June 29, 2016

Kaiser Permanente’s Family Violence Prevention Program is getting attention as a national leader in improving the health care response to intimate partner violence.

A Better Way to Predict Diabetes

June 22, 2016

Scientists develop a highly accurate method to predict type 2 diabetes after delivery in women with gestational diabetes An international...

Empowering Addiction Treatment Patients to Engage in Health Management May Improve Overall Health and Avoid Relapse

June 22, 2016

Results in the Kaiser Permanente integrated intervention program demonstrate the value of interactive preventive services in alcohol and drug treatment...

Groundbreaking, Large-Scale Study to Examine Transgender Health Outcomes

May 16, 2016

Transgender people represent a sizable, underserved population with unique health needs and systemic barriers to health care access. Research on transgender health has been limited to very small studies that have not focused on long-term issues or quality of life.

Continuous cardiac monitoring reveals increased stroke risk among patients with greater burden of atrial fibrillation

May 6, 2016

Kaiser Permanente findings presented at Heart Rhythm Society scientific sessions  Continuous heart monitoring for up to 14 days revealed a...

Life Expectancy Gap Has Decreased But Still Persists for Individuals with HIV

April 1, 2016

The lifespan of HIV-infected individuals has increased dramatically with combination antiretroviral therapy, yet an 8- to 13-year gap in survival...

Early Follow-up with Patients after Hospitalization for Heart Failure Reduces Readmission Rates

March 16, 2016

Heart failurepatients who had early follow-up with general medicine or cardiology providers within 7 days of being discharged from the...

High-Risk Arrhythmias Detected Outside of Traditional 24- to 48-Hour Monitoring Window with the Use of New Tech-Enabled Heart Monitors

February 17, 2016

A Kaiser Permanente Northern California study of the clinical utility of a novel, wireless electrocardiographic monitor that can store up...

Landmark Study Finds Dementia Risk Varies Significantly Among Racial and Ethnic Groups

February 10, 2016

Research highlights importance of identifying strategies to reduce disparities In the largest and longest study thus far of ethnic disparities...

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds Effectiveness of Routine Tdap Booster Wanes in Adolescents

February 5, 2016

Findings suggest that a targeted round of vaccination among young people should instead be considered to limit local outbreaks of...

Kaiser Permanente Study Shows Minorities Had Lower Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Than Whites

January 28, 2016

Findings indicate that health plan’s systematic efforts to improve risk-factor control may help reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities...

Non-invasive fecal test provides effective screening for colorectal cancer

January 25, 2016

Adherence to recommended annual screening high among health plan members When used in a large health care system, the fecal...

New Kaiser Permanente Survey Shows Email Between Patients and Physicians Improves Health and Efficiency of Care

December 21, 2015

32 percent of patients with chronic conditions report better health    OAKLAND, Calif., December 21, 2015  — A third of...

Study Identifies Genetic Susceptibility for Hernia

December 21, 2015

In the first large-scale genetic study of hernia risk in adults, researchers at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and...

Lifestyle Intervention Helps Women With Gestational Diabetes Achieve Appropriate Weight Loss, Exercise Levels After Birth of Baby

December 9, 2015

A diabetes prevention program administered within the nation’s largest, integrated health care system was effective in helping women with a...

Video: CARDIA Study Uncovers Critical Findings on Heart Disease and Disparities

December 8, 2015

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland is one of four CARDIA study sites. Thirty years ago, some 1,400...

Study finds Breastfeeding Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Following Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy

November 23, 2015

Breastfeeding more often and for longer durations helps mother’s health Women with gestational diabetes who consistently and continuously breastfeed from...

American Cancer Society Honors Kaiser Permanente’s Theodore R. Levin for Leadership in Screening for Colorectal Cancer

November 14, 2015

The American Cancer Society honored Kaiser Permanente’s Theodore R. Levin, MD, for his leadership in raising the health care system’s...

Final book by Kaiser Permanente’s Morris F. Collen, MD — the Father of Medical Informatics — published one year after his death at age 100

November 6, 2015

Colleagues celebrate Collen’s life and work at American Medical Informatics Association conference in San Francisco Nov. 15 The last published...

Screening for Adolescent Substance Use in Primary Care Setting Can Improve Intervention Efforts

November 2, 2015

Kaiser Permanente study also shows barriers remain In the first trial to compare different approaches to delivering substance use and...

Study Estimates HIV-Infected Individuals Have Increased Cumulative Incidence of Lifetime Cancer Risk

October 5, 2015

A large study with follow-up over 14 years offers a unique way of looking at the risk of cancer among...

Length of Time Between Births May Increase Risk of Autism

September 14, 2015

Findings support planning children at least two years apart Second-born children who are conceived sooner than two years or later...

Refilling Prescriptions Online Associated with Similar Improvements in Medication Adherence Across all Racial and Ethnic Groups

September 10, 2015

Patients from all racial and ethnic minority groups who ordered their prescription refills through an online patient portal had better...

Electronic Health Records with Decision Support Help Optimize Emergency Department Care for Ischemic Stroke Patients

September 8, 2015

The timely administration of a clot-dissolving treatment for emergency department patients with acute ischemic stroke nearly doubled following the introduction...

Large Study of PrEP Use in Clinical Practice Shows No New HIV Infections

September 2, 2015

In one of the first and largest published evaluations of the use of preexposure prophylaxis (known as PrEP) to prevent...

PORTAL Approved for $8.6 Million in Second Phase of PCORnet, a New National Clinical Research Network

July 28, 2015

PORTAL (Patient Outcomes Research to Advance Learning), led Elizabeth McGlynn, PhD, director of Kaiser Permanente's Center for Effectiveness and Safety Research, has...

Ten-year Kaiser Permanente study: No clear increase in bladder and other cancers with use of common diabetes medication

July 21, 2015

A commonly prescribed diabetes medication called pioglitazone (brand name Actos) was not associated with a clear increased risk of bladder...

Body Mass Index Affects Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy Dosages

July 2, 2015

Study finds overweight and obese patients get less cancer-fighting drugs per pound of body weight and could suffer the consequences...

Acute Kidney Injury Linked to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure

July 1, 2015

Sudden loss of kidney function, even if temporary, tied to eventual onset of high blood pressure Hospitalized patients with acute...

Higher Quality Screening Colonoscopies Associated With Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer Death, Without Higher Overall Costs

June 16, 2015

Improving colonoscopy quality through higher detection rates for a particular type of polyp may be associated with as much as...

Major New Study to Demonstrate Value of PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

May 20, 2015

By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist, Division of Research A new, $100 million, four-year study will determine the clinical usefulness...

Oral Steroids for Acute Sciatica Produce Limited Improvement in Function and Pain

May 19, 2015

Among patients with acute sciatica caused by a herniated lumbar disk (a condition also known as "acute radiculopathy"), a short...

High blood pressure? Bring It Down!

May 8, 2015

Bring It Down is learning how to close the disparity between black and white people in high blood pressure control,...

History of Breastfeeding Associated with Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

April 28, 2015

Study finds tumor type may also influence outcomes Women diagnosed with breast cancer who previously breastfed their babies had a...

Alcohol as a Vital Sign: We Ask Everyone

April 21, 2015

By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research If you’ve paid a visit to your primary care...

Patients With Heart Stents Have Similar Increased Risk of Death from Bleeding and Heart Attacks

April 7, 2015

RELEASED JOINTLY BY UC SAN FRANCISCO AND KAISER PERMANENTE In patients who received a stent to treat coronary artery blockage,...

New Autism Family Genetics Study Launches

April 1, 2015

A new Kaiser Permanente study will gather genetic material from 5,000 member families in order to undertake urgently needed research...

Kaiser Permanente Launches Autism Family Genetics Study

April 1, 2015

A new Kaiser Permanente study will gather genetic material from 5,000 member families in order to undertake urgently needed research...

Health System Factors Improve Medication Adherence Among Seniors with Diabetes

March 16, 2015

System-level factors controlled by health care systems – including prescriptions with a medication supply greater than 90 days, mail-order pharmacy...

Jazz Diva of DOR finds her Ninth Muse

March 9, 2015

Opie Bellas is back, and she’s assembled an international treasure trove of songs that she interprets with the exquisite taste,...

Study Finds Minimal Ethnic Differences in Health Among Older Insured Patients with Diabetes

February 6, 2015

In one of the first studies of its kind, researchers found that the prevalence of geriatric conditions and diabetic complications...

12-Year Study Confirms Overall Safety of Measles Vaccines

January 5, 2015

A 12-year study of two types of measles-containing vaccines, published today in Pediatrics, found that seven main adverse outcomes were...

Digoxin Associated With Higher Risk of Death and Hospitalization in Adults With Atrial Fibrillation and No Heart Failure

November 21, 2014

Digoxin, a drug commonly used to treat heart conditions, was associated with a 71 percent higher risk of death and...

Statin Use during Hospitalization for Hemorrhagic Stroke Strongly Associated with Improved Survival

September 22, 2014

OAKLAND, Calif., September 22, 2014–Patients who were treated with a statin in the hospital after suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke...

Maintaining weight is a healthy focus for women with breast cancer

August 13, 2014

Women with breast cancer who maintained their weight were less likely to report changes in their physical abilities following diagnosis,...

National Cancer Institute Awards $7.3 million to Kaiser Permanente for Cancer Clinical Trials, Patient Care Research

August 1, 2014

A new 5-year, $7.3 million award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will allow Kaiser Permanente to expand its innovative...

Big Data Improves Care for Kaiser Permanente’s Smallest Members

June 9, 2014

Doctors in Kaiser Permanente’s neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can use an innovative online calculator to determine whether preterm and...

Leading on Screening for Colorectal Cancer

April 18, 2014

The fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, that is mailed to member homes. About 137,000 new cases of cancer in the...

Hospital-Diagnosed Maternal Bacterial Infections Associated with Increased Autism Risk

December 23, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — Hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the...

Duration of Diabetes and Advancing Age Independently Predict Diabetes Complications and Risk of Death

December 17, 2013

The duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes severity and risk of death in older adults with type...

Long-term Use of Common Heartburn and Ulcer Medications Linked to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

December 11, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — Long-term use of commonly prescribed heartburn and ulcer medications is linked to a higher risk of vitamin...

Dementia Risk Greatest for Older Native Americans and African-Americans with Diabetes

December 10, 2013

In the first study to look at racial and ethnic differences in dementia risk among older adults with type 2...

Tracking Exercise as a Vital Sign Associated with Weight Loss and Better Glucose Control

December 5, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — Asking patients about their exercise habits was associated with weight loss in overweight patients and improved glucose...

Patients With Diabetes Who Use Mail Order Pharmacy Are Less Likely to Visit Emergency Rooms

November 22, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — Patients with diabetes who received prescribed heart medications by mail were less likely to visit the emergency...

CDC, AHA and ACC Cite Kaiser Permanente Model in Science Advisory on Need for Hypertension Control Approaches Nationwide

November 15, 2013

The hypertension control program of Kaiser Permanente Northern California is cited as a model to emulate in a Science Advisory jointly...

New Kaiser Permanente – UCSF center explores ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics in health care

November 14, 2013

With inexpensive genetics kits flooding the market, both consumers — and their doctors — still lack basic information about what...

Risk Factors Identified for Delayed Onset of Lactation in Women with Gestational Diabetes

November 8, 2013

A study of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identifies, for the first time, independent risk factors for unsuccessful early...

Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury Decreases in California Health Care System

November 7, 2013

Favorable Trend in Contrast to National Incidence Rates of AKI OAKLAND, CA — In contrast to national hospital data suggesting...

Happy 100th, Dr. Collen!

November 6, 2013

Morris Collen, MD, pioneer of computer-assisted health care, celebrates his centennial. Multimedia show: Dr. Morris Collen: A Remarkable Story In...

Earlier Onset of Puberty in Girls Linked to Obesity

November 5, 2013

New research in Pediatrics shows that obesity is the largest predictor of earlier onset puberty in girls, a phenomenon that is affecting...

Study Shows No Increased Risk for Heart Attacks Among HIV-Positive Patients With High CD4 Cell Counts

October 24, 2013

Healthy HIV-Positive Subjects Have Same Heart Attack Risk as General Population Although HIV-positive individuals are known to be at higher...

Electronic health records are linked to improved diabetes care for Kaiser Permanente patients

October 15, 2013

Video: KP scientists on electronic health records Kaiser Permanente’s electronic health records are world-renowned for their pivotal role in providing...

Earlier Is Better for Measles Immunization First Dose

October 14, 2013

Children receiving measles-containing vaccines at 12-15 months of age have a lower increased risk of fever and seizures than those...

Study Results Aid Understanding of Gestational Diabetes

October 10, 2013

A Division of Research study may lead toward less gestational diabetes. Interview by Lynn Mundell, editor, Inside KP Northern California...

Use of Digoxin Associated with Higher Risk of Death for Patients

September 20, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — Digoxin, a drug commonly used to treat heart conditions, was associated with a 72 percent higher rate...

Electronic health records linked to improved care for Kaiser Permanente diabetes patients

September 10, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif. — The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in a large, integrated, health care delivery system resulted in...

Pre-Pregnancy Hormone Testing May Indicate Gestational Diabetes Risk

August 29, 2013

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds Low Adiponectin Levels Prior to Pregnancy Linked to High Risk of Gestational Diabetes OAKLAND, Calif. —...

Large-Scale Kaiser Permanente Program Linked to Improved Blood Pressure Control

August 20, 2013

Sustained success leads to reduced risk of stroke and heart disease for patients Kaiser Permanente Northern California nearly doubled the...

New Risk Score Predicts 10-Year Dementia Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

August 19, 2013

Patients with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia as those without the disease, but predicting who...

Grand Opportunity Creates Cutting-Edge Research Potential

August 7, 2013

By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist In 2009, the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) received a Grand...

Severe Low Blood Sugar Occurs Often in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

July 30, 2013

Patients with diabetes who take certain types of medications to lower their blood sugar sometimes experience severe low blood-sugar levels,...

Study Finds Booster Vaccine Tdap is Only Moderately Effective

July 23, 2013

Researchers have found that the pertussis “booster” vaccine, also known as reduced antigen content acellular pertussis vaccine or Tdap, is...

Study Targets Hypertension Disparity

July 22, 2013

This year, the KP Northern California Division of Research received an $11 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders...

Alcohol Consumption as a Vital Sign

July 2, 2013

By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist In 2010, with a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,...

Successful Hepatitis C Treatment Lowers Subsequent Medical Costs

July 1, 2013

Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has economic benefits in reduced use of health care resources and...

High Blood Pressure Among Blacks and Young Adults Is Focus of $11 Million Stroke Prevention Project

June 21, 2013

UC SAN FRANCISCO Jennifer O’Brien Executive Director/Public Affairs Source: Jeffrey Norris (415) 502-6397 (NEWS) E-mail: jeffrey.norris@ucsf.edu Web: www.ucsf.edu Twitter: @JeffreyNorris1...

New Risk Assessment Tool to Predict Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

June 19, 2013

Model will give physicians more reliable guidance in making therapeutic decisions for stroke prevention OAKLAND, Calif.,  June 19, 2013 —...

Bisphenol-A exposure linked to obesity risk in puberty-age girls

June 13, 2013

Girls between 9 and 12 years of age with higher-than-average levels of bisphenol-A (BPA) in their urine had double the...

DOR’s Lisa Herrinton Named Top KP Innovator for Specialty Disease Registries

May 31, 2013

For many years, the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (DOR) has specialized in creating disease registries for common medical conditions...

Study Shows Whole-Cell Vaccine Was More Effective Than Acellular Vaccine During California Pertussis Outbreak

May 20, 2013

Whole-cell pertussis vaccines were more effective at protecting against pertussis than acellular pertussis vaccines during a large recent outbreak, according...

Fun and Friends Help Ease the Pain of Breast Cancer

May 13, 2013

Kaiser Permanente study among the first to examine how social relationships influence quality of life in breast cancer patients Breast...

Caring for Adults with Autism

May 1, 2013

A working group based in the KP NCAL Division of Research seeks innovative ways to address the health care needs...

Varicella Vaccine Has Long-Term Effectiveness Against Chicken Pox

April 1, 2013

Chicken pox, the childhood affliction of earlier generations, has been largely neutralized by the varicella vaccine, according to a new...

DOR advances innovation in colorectal cancer screening

March 28, 2013

The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research has been an indisputable innovator in the science of screening for colorectal cancer; studies...

Adults with Diabetes and Limited Health Literacy Less Likely to Adhere to Prescribed Antidepressants

March 25, 2013

Adult patients with diabetes who don’t understand basic health information are significantly less likely to take newly prescribed antidepressant medication,...

High-Fat Dairy Products Linked to Poorer Breast Cancer Survival

March 14, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif., March 14 — Patients who consume high-fat dairy products following breast cancer diagnosis increase their chances of dying...

Landmark Heart Study Pioneers Science of Health Disparities

February 20, 2013

Study pioneers the science of health disparities—and launches quest to solve big problems in health care.

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds Men Taking Long-Acting Chronic Pain Medications Five Times more Likely to have Low Testosterone Levels

January 31, 2013

The study is the first to show a significant difference in risk between short-acting and long-acting opioids  OAKLAND, Calif., Jan....

Kaiser Permanente Study Reveals Two-Fold Higher Incidence of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers for Individuals with HIV

January 29, 2013

OAKLAND, Calif., January 29— HIV-positive patients have a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers, according to a Kaiser Permanente study...

KP Member Health Survey: Vitamin D supplementation lags among people who may need it most

January 24, 2013

Many adult members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California who are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency are not getting...

Vitamin D supplementation lags among people who may need it most

January 24, 2013

Many adult members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California who are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency are not getting...

KP Surgeons Dramatically Reduce Cataract Infections

January 15, 2013

In a new video, Kaiser Permanente researchers explain how the Walnut Creek ophthalmology department virtually eliminated a rare, surgery-related infection....

Lower copayments and use of mail-order pharmacy may reduce disparities in adherence to blood-pressure medication

December 10, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 10 - New research suggests that making prescription refills more affordable and easier to get may reduce...

A Meaningful Mission to Ghana

November 29, 2012

Dr. Maryam M. Asgari spent her summer vacation improving community health in a Ghana village. A paper plate hanging in...

The Division of Research Celebrates 50 Years of Health Research

November 27, 2012

This Fall, the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research celebrated 50 years of excellence in health research. This display, highlighting the Division’s history and...

Vaccine Study Center Research Yields Valuable Knowledge on Vaccines for Children and Adolescents

November 13, 2012

The Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center (VSC), which conducts research to advance scientific understanding of vaccines at all levels of...

Pacific Islanders, South Asians and Filipinos Have Higher Rates of Diabetes Than All Other Ethnic Groups

November 13, 2012

Rates of diagnosed diabetes are much higher among some Asian subgroups than is apparent when aggregating all Asians as a...

Electronic Health Records Aid in Diabetes Care

November 13, 2012

DOR researchers found that the use of electronic health records at 17 Northern California medical centers was associated with significant...

SPG and SAS Take On Big Data

November 13, 2012

“Big Data” is getting bigger all the time, particularly in medicine and life sciences, where genomic data, clinical trial data,...

High-quality Personal Relationships Improve Survival in Women with Breast Cancer

November 9, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., DATE—The quality of a woman’s social networks—the personal relationships that surround an individual—appears to be just as important...

Study Shows Elevated Risk of Blood Clots and Arterial Blockage in Women Taking Birth Control Pills Containing Drospirenone

October 18, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 18—A U.S. Food and Drug Administration-funded study led by the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research...

Pacific Islanders, South Asians and Filipinos have Higher Rates of Diabetes than all Other Ethnic Groups

October 15, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 15, 2012 – Rates of diagnosed diabetes are much higher among some Asian subgroups than is apparent...

Antibiotic Injections are Associated with Lower Risk of Infection in Cataract Surgery

October 10, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — Intracameral antibiotic injections were associated with a 22-fold reduction in the risk of postoperative infection following cataract...

Study Affirms Safety of HPV4 Vaccine for Adolescents and Young Women in Routine Clinical Care

October 1, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — A study of almost 200,000 young females who received the quadrivalent human papilloma virus (HPV4) vaccine found...

Use of EHR Associated with Improvements in Outcomes for Patients With Diabetes

October 1, 2012

video OAKLAND, Calif. — Use of electronic health records was associated with improved drug-treatment intensification, monitoring and risk-factor control among...

Protection Against Whooping Cough Waned During the Five Years After Fifth Dose of DTaP

September 12, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. - Protection against whooping cough (also called pertussis) waned during the five years after the fifth dose of...

Almost Half of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Report Acute and Chronic Pain, Researchers Find

August 6, 2012

Study authors recommend adding palliative care to diabetes management Almost half of adults with type 2 diabetes report acute and...

In-Utero Exposure to Magnetic Fields Associated with Increased Risk of Obesity in Childhood

July 27, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. July 27, 2012- - In-utero exposure to relatively high magnetic field levels was associated with a 69 percent...

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Names Tracy Lieu, MD, MPH Its Fifth Director

July 16, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., July 16, 2012 – The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. has named Tracy Lieu, MD,...

Infertility History/Treatment Not Associated with ASDs for Single Births

July 12, 2012

For Multiple Births More Research Is Needed OAKLAND, Calif., Month, Day, 2012 – In a new study, neither infertility history...

Weight Loss Resulting from a Low-Fat Diet May Help Eliminate Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Menopausal Women

July 11, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — Weight loss that occurs in conjunction with a low-fat, high fruit and vegetable diet may help to...

Eleven Integrated Health Systems Form Largest Private-Sector Diabetes Registry in United States

June 7, 2012

Researchers use database of more than 1 million diverse diabetes patients to find better treatment and prevention strategies PORTLAND, Ore....

Telephone Contact with Nurses is Associated with Improved Outcomes

May 25, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., May 25, 2012– Among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, referral to a telephone-based nurse management program was associated...

Body Mass Index (BMI) Thresholds for Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes

May 22, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif., May 22, 2012 – Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds for increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) vary by...

Measles-Containing Vaccines Not Associated with Increased Risk of Febrile Seizures in Children Ages 4-6

April 2, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — Vaccines for measles were not associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures among 4-6 year olds during the...

Chronic Kidney Disease Linked to Higher Risk of Kidney and Urinary Tract Cancer

February 4, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. – Chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher risk of kidney and urothelial cancer, but not other...

Earlier Antiretroviral Therapy Might Reduce the Burden of Cancer in Those with HIV

December 21, 2011

HIV-infected patients are at increased risk for cancer as a result of both their impaired immune system and lifestyle factors,...

New Research Does Not Find Elevated Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events Associated with Use of ADHD Medications in Young and Middle-aged Adults

December 21, 2011

In a recently published study, Division researchers found little evidence of increased risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death or...

Depression Increases Risk of Dementia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

December 21, 2011

Depression in patients with diabetes is associated with a substantively increased risk of development of dementia compared to those with...

Kaiser Permanente Study Finds No Elevated Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events Associated with Use of ADHD Medications in Young and Middle-aged Adults

December 12, 2011

OAKLAND Calif. — Researchers have found little evidence of increased risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death or stroke associated...

Depression Increases Risk of Dementia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

December 5, 2011

OAKLAND Calif. — Depression in patients with diabetes is associated with a substantively increased risk of development of dementia compared...

Earlier Antiretroviral Therapy Might Reduce the Burden of Cancer in Those with HIV

November 22, 2011

OAKLAND Calif. — HIV-infected patients are at increased risk for cancer as a result of both their impaired immune system...

Heavy Alcohol Consumption Linked to Lung Cancer

October 24, 2011

Higher BMI and Education Level May Be Protective Oakland, CA — Heavy alcohol consumption may be linked to a greater...

Fully or Mostly Breastfeeding Women Have Lowest Blood Sugar Levels After a Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy

October 24, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Breastfeeding with no or little formula supplementation was associated with lower fasting blood glucose and lower insulin...

Waning and Less Effective Acellular Whooping Cough Vaccines Likely Contributed to the 2010 California Whooping Cough Outbreak

October 22, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Waning and less effective acellular whooping cough vaccines likely contributed to the 2010 California whooping cough outbreak,...

Ethnic Differences in Appointment Keeping Affect Health of Diabetes Patients

October 20, 2011

Ethnic differences in attendance at primary care appointments may be an important factor in poor health outcomes among some minority...

Birth Defects Likely Linked to Hypertension, Not Early Use of ACE Inhibitors in First Trimester of Pregnancy, According to New Research

October 18, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Women who take ACE inhibitors, a type of drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure, in...

Study finds that patients using statins for the first time, and who used mail-order pharmacies, are more likely to have good cholesterol control

September 21, 2011

Patients at Kaiser Permanente Northern California who got their new statin prescriptions from mail-order pharmacies showed better cholesterol control, in...

Division’s study search portal up and running

September 21, 2011

To help physicians locate clinical trials or research studies that may be appropriate for their patients, the Kaiser Permanente Northern...

DNA of 100,000 Kaiser Permanente members genotyped in 15 months, creating novel resource for research

September 21, 2011

Resulting Data Will Provide Novel Resource for Accelerating Research One of the nation’s largest and most diverse genomics projects reached...

In Utero exposure to BPA May Adversely Affect Male Genital Development

August 29, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif., -- In utero exposure to Bisphenol-A may adversely affect male genital development, according to a Kaiser Permanente study...

Researchers Have Identified New Risk Factors That May Be Helpful In Identifying Women Who May Succumb to a Rare, Pregnancy-related Deterioration of Heart Function

August 22, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente Researchers have identified several readily available patient characteristics that may be useful in identifying women...

Cycling for health: Division staffer on diabetes study founds East Bay group for African-American cyclists

August 12, 2011

Jenna Burton, a research associate for the Division of Research on a gestational diabetes study, founded a bicycling group for...

Study Finds Exposure to Magnetic Fields in Pregnancy Increases Asthma Risk

August 1, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. —Women with high exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy may have a higher risk of asthma in their...

New Scorecard Identifies Patients at Highest Risk on Blood Thinners

July 28, 2011

A new and simple risk score may aid physicians in gauging the likelihood that a common drug will cause a...

Kaiser Permanente, UCSF Scientists Complete NIH-Funded Genomics Project Involving 100,000 People

July 21, 2011

Resulting Data Will Provide Novel Resource for Accelerating Research OAKLAND, Calif. — One of the nation’s largest and most diverse genomics...

Mail-Order Pharmacy for New Statin Prescriptions Achieve Better Cholesterol Control in First 3-15 Months Of Therapy

July 21, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients who obtained new statin prescriptions via a mail-order pharmacy achieved better cholesterol...

Exposure to Antidepressants in Early Pregnancy May Increase the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders

July 4, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors anti-depressants in early pregnancy may modestly increase risk of autism spectrum...

Recently published: Three studies advance gestational diabetes research

June 27, 2011

Researchers at the Division of Research have conducted recently published observational research that underscores the importance of reducing the risk...

Recently presented: Clinicians and researchers work together on hypertension study

June 23, 2011

Division of Research investigators recently assisted physician Marc Jaffe, MD, with presentation of the results from an observational study he led...

Routinely Assessed Measures of Blood Sugar and Body Weight may be Good Indicators of Risk for Developing Diabetes During Pregnancy

May 26, 2011

A woman’s risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy can be identified up to seven years before she becomes pregnant based...

Health surveillance tool: Study’s first results say stroke rate down, with uptick among younger adults

May 26, 2011

As chair of the Surveillance Group of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Steve Sidney, MD, is...

Presented at heart association conference: Ethnic group stroke rate trends show marked differences

May 23, 2011

Steve Sidney, MD, at left and Noelle Blick, center, coached Preety Kalra, PhD, on how to improve the study presentation...

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Names Selby First Executive Director

May 16, 2011

Veteran Public Health Expert to Lead Patient-Focused Outcomes Research WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) announced today...

Parental Exposure to BPA During Pregnancy Associated with Decreased Birth Weight in Offspring

May 13, 2011

OAKLAND Calif. — Parental exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring, compared...

Lifestyle Interventions in Women with Gestational Diabetes May Prevent Diabetes by Reducing Pregnancy Weight Retention and Helping Overweight Women Lose Weight

May 5, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif., -- In women with gestational diabetes, a lifestyle intervention, including modified diet and physical activity that starts during...

Autism registry is first Division project funded by new national mental health research network

April 28, 2011

A registry to advance research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will be the first Division of Research project supported by...

Blue Sky: Kaiser Permanente holds first symposium exploring future of autism research

April 28, 2011

Researchers from around the country gathered in San Francisco in early March to share information on the current state of...

Elderly Diabetes Patients with Very Low Glucose Levels Have Slightly Increased Risk of Death

April 18, 2011

A new study of older diabetes patients has found that well-controlled blood sugar levels were associated with a lower risk...

Newly funded: $10.5M grant kickstarts national network to speed mental health research

April 18, 2011

A three-year $10.5 million federal grant awarded in December to help speed up mental health research will rely heavily on...

Immunization Not Associated with Increases in ER Visits or Hospitalizations for Children with Inborn Errors of Metabolism

April 11, 2011

OAKLAND Calif. — Children with inborn errors of metabolism received vaccines on the same immunization schedule as did healthy infants,...

Large Weight Gain Raises Risk for Recurrence Among Breast Cancer Survivors

April 5, 2011

Oakland, Calif. — Breast cancer survivors who experience large weight gain have an increased risk of death after diagnosis, according...

Novel Technology Yields Flu Vaccine That Is Safe for Healthy Adults

February 23, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Influenza vaccination using proteins derived from recommended virus strains and produced with recombinant DNA methods yields flu...

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics May Be Important and Currently Missed Opportunities to Better Manage Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

February 22, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif.  –  In a study of more than 30,000 women under the age of 50 in two large United...

RPGEH: A world-class genomics project studying disease causes and healthy aging

February 2, 2011

It’s not every day Division of Research staff members are briefed by a Nobel Prize winner. Recently, 100 employees of...

Voice of the RPGEH: Marcia Ewing and the phone/survey team

January 30, 2011

It’s simply a case of cause and effect. To recruit 500,000 Northern California Kaiser Permanente members for a research project,...

RPGEH: Fast facts

January 29, 2011

Goal is database with 500,000 participants 430,000 have completed a health survey 170,000 gave saliva samples Future participants will be...

Breaking the mold: CARDIA changes cardiovascular disease research

January 25, 2011

Until the 1980s, all that was known about the leading cause of death among Americans — cardiovascular disease — had...

CARDIA: Study guardian preserves his own health

January 24, 2011

Nearly everyone involved in Kaiser Permanente’s CARDIA study has at some point heard from Steve Sidney, MD, the study’s principal...

Newly funded: Research to help new moms with gestational diabetes gets start with $8.5M grant

January 23, 2011

A wanted pregnancy is among life’s most joyful events. But for about 7 percent of expectant mothers in the United...

Gestational diabetes: Integrated care improves study consistency

January 22, 2011

Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model helps researchers in this study. Pre-pregnancy, during-pregnancy and after-pregnancy care are all received by participants...

Gestational diabetes: Comparing treatment options

January 22, 2011

Comparative effectiveness research is a big term for a simple idea. How do health care providers like Kaiser Permanente decide...

Gestational diabetes: Can affect a baby’s genes

January 22, 2011

For the vast majority of women with gestational diabetes, good pre- and postnatal health care, including watching diet and weight,...

BPA study of Chinese factory workers finds link to reduced semen quality

January 21, 2011

In 2010, a five-year Kaiser Permanente Northern California study of more than 500 male Chinese factory workers found that those...

Language barriers linked to worse diabetes control

January 21, 2011

When patients cannot talk with doctors about diabetes in their own language, even when interpreter services are available, poorer diabetes...

In one form of breast cancer, higher breast tissue density is linked to higher risk of later breast cancer

January 21, 2011

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research have found that patients with a very early form of breast...

Heavy smoking doubles risk of Alzheimers or vascular dementia

January 21, 2011

The first study to look at the long-term effects of heavy smoking on dementia risk found that heavy smoking –...

Use of Antidepressant Associated with Reduction in Menopausal Hot Flashes

January 18, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. – Peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women experienced a reduction in the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes with...

High Activity Staves Off Pounds, Especially for Women

December 14, 2010

Highly active women gain less than highly active men over 20 years  CHICAGO --- People will gain significantly less weight...

Exposure to BPA Associated with Reduced Semen Quality

October 28, 2010

OAKLAND, Calif. – Increasing urine BPA (Bisphenol-A) level was significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration, decreased total sperm count, decreased...

Study Suggests Women and Their Children May Benefit from Metabolic Screening Prior to Conception

October 11, 2010

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cardio-metabolic risk factors such as high blood sugar and insulin, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that are...

Breast Density Linked to Increased Risk of Subsequent Breast Cancer

October 7, 2010

Oakland, CA  - Researchers at Kaiser Permanente have found that patients with a very early form of breast cancer (ductal carcinoma...

Patient-provider Language Barriers Linked to Worse Diabetes Control

October 6, 2010

Patients who cannot talk about their diabetes with their doctor in their own language may have poorer diabetes outcomes, even...

Physical Limitations Take a Significant Toll in Breast Cancer Survivors

September 22, 2010

Basic physical limitations following breast cancer treatment can have far-reaching consequences that substantially affect how long a patient lives. According...

Uniform, National Measures Should Define HIV and AIDS Care

August 17, 2010

OAKLAND, Calif. – To improve the quality of HIV care and treatment nationwide, 17 measures such as screening and prevention...

New Research Finds Girls Are Starting Puberty Early

August 9, 2010

Oakland, Calif. (August 9, 2010) -- Girls are starting puberty early, according to new research from the Breast Cancer and...

Combination MMRV Vaccine Associated with Two-Fold Risk of Febrile Seizures Compared with Separate MMR & Varicella Vaccines

June 28, 2010

Electronic Health Records Study of 459,000 Children Sparked New CDC Recommendations Oakland, Calif. – The combination vaccine for measles, mumps,...

Heart Attacks Declined 24 Percent in Kaiser Permanente Northern California Since 2000

June 9, 2010

Study of 46,000 Patients Shows More Serious Heart Attacks Also Declined By Much More Video Oakland, Calif. – Heart attacks...

Limited Health Literacy Increases Safety Risks for Patients with Diabetes

May 19, 2010

People with diabetes who have limited health literacy are at higher risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, according to...

Medications that Reduce the Production of Stomach Acid May Increase Hip Fractures

April 6, 2010

Oakland, CA – Commonly used medications for decreasing stomach acid are associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, according...

Coffee Drinking and Caffeine Associated with Reduced Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Rhythm Disturbances

March 2, 2010

While it is not proven that coffee is protective, it is unlikely that moderate caffeine intake increases arrhythmia risk, Kaiser...

Alcohol Consumption May Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk

December 10, 2009

Post-menopausal and overweight women may be most susceptible (Oakland, Calif. – December 10, 2009) Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages (at...

Breastfeeding A Child May Protect Women from Metabolic Syndrome, A Condition Linked to Diabetes and Heart Disease in Women

December 3, 2009

December 3,  2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – Breastfeeding a child may lower a woman’s risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, a condition...

Workplace BPA Exposure Increases Risk of Male Sexual Dysfunction, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

November 11, 2009

First human study to measure effects of BPA on male reproductive system November 11, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – High levels...

Common Antiretroviral Therapy Drug (Tenofovir) Associated With Decline of Renal Function

October 26, 2009

Commonly used tenofovir, a nucleootide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is associated with declines in renal...

Kaiser Permanente, UCSF awarded $25 million from NIH

October 12, 2009

100,000 Kaiser Permanente members who have donated DNA for research into the genetic and environmental causes of disease to be...

National Institutes of Health Awards More Than $54 Million to Kaiser Permanente to Conduct Health Research

October 12, 2009

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will support research in numerous health areas, from genotyping 100,000 members’ DNA Samples to...

New Assessment Quantifies Risks and Benefits of Warfarin Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

August 31, 2009

Kaiser Permanente, Mass General Study Finds Benefits Strongest for Oldest Patients and others at High Stroke Risk Warfarin therapy for...

Antioxidants Not Associated With Increased Melanoma Risk

August 17, 2009

Chicago -- Antioxidant supplements do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, according to a report...

High Cholesterol in Midlife Raises Risk of Late-life Dementia, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

August 4, 2009

August 4, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – Elevated cholesterol levels in midlife – even levels considered only borderline elevated – significantly...

Workplace E-Mail Intervention Program Helps People Sit Less and Eat Better, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

May 19, 2009

May 19, 2009 (OAKLAND, Calif.) – A behavioral intervention program delivered by e-mail is an effective way to significantly improve...

Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Are At Higher Than Previously Realized risk for Permanent Dialysis If They Require Hospital – Based Dialysis

April 30, 2009

OAKLAND, CA -- Patients with chronic kidney disease are at higher than previously realized risk of needing permanent dialysis if...

Low Blood Sugar Events Increase Dementia Risk in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

April 9, 2009

April 14, 2009 (OAKLAND, Calif.) – Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes that require a visit to the hospital are associated...

Teens Who Give Birth Have Greater Gains in Overall Body Fat and Belly Fat During Adolescence Than Peers Who were not pregnant, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds

April 1, 2009

OAKLAND, Calif. – Teenagers who’ve had babies experience substantially greater gains in total body fat and belly fat during adolescence...

Kidney Disease Increases the Risk of Stroke in Patients with the Most Common Type of Heart Arrhythmia, According to Researchers

March 3, 2009

OAKLAND, Calif., March 3, 2009 – Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF),...

Largest Study To Date Compares Cholesterol Treatment in HIV Patients & Patients without HIV infection

March 2, 2009

Lipid Lowering Therapy OAKLAND, Calif., March 2, 2009 – A new study in the online issue of Annals of Internal...

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Awards $8.6 Million Grant to Kaiser Permanente to Develop Largest, Most Diverse U.S. Biobank

December 15, 2008

Database Has Power to Reveal Environmental and Genetic Factors Behind Many Deadly Diseases; Groundbreaking Research Will Lead to Better Treatments...

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Creates National Network to Study Cardiovascular Disease

November 10, 2008

Oakland, CA – The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has provided $7.5 million over the next five years to...

Depression during Pregnancy Can Double Risk of Preterm Delivery

October 23, 2008

Depression and Preterm Delivery Risk October 23, 2008 (Oakland, Calif.) - Depressed pregnant women have twice the risk of preterm...

Kaiser Permanente – Stanford heart research center funded to study treatment outcomes

August 10, 2008

The American Heart Association has awarded Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research in Oakland and Stanford University’s Medical Center $3.89 million...

Medicare Part D beneficiaries may pay a price for poor knowledge of their Part D benefits, according to a new study

April 22, 2008

April 22, 2008 (Oakland, Calif.) – Medicare Beneficiaries have limited knowledge of their Medicare Part D outpatient prescription drug benefits....

Larger Abdomen in MidLife Increases Risk of Dementia, According to a New Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Study

March 26, 2008

Larger Abdomen and Risk of Dementia Oakland CA – People in their 40s with larger stomachs have a higher risk...

Kaiser Permanente Study Shows Newer, Stronger Evidence that Caffeine During Pregnancy Increases Miscarriage Risk

January 21, 2008

Coffee, Miscarriage Linked Coffee, tea, soda and hot chocolate present risk January 21, 2008 (Oakland, Calif.) – High doses of...

Kaiser Permanente Harvard Medical School Study Links Lack of Sleep to Weight Gain for New Moms

November 19, 2007

First Study Ever Finds Moms who Sleep Only Five Hours Have Tripled Risk of Excessive Weight at One Year After...

Largest Study Ever to Investigate Risk Factors of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Will Begin Enrolling Families in Bay Area and Across U.S.

November 14, 2007

Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) Families from Alameda and Santa Clara Counties Invited to Participate OAKLAND, Calif., November 14,...

Under Used Colon Cancer Screening Test is Effective

September 25, 2007

And may help improve colon cancer screening rates Oakland CA – An under used colon cancer screening test now available...

Increasing Vegetable and Fruits Beyond Current Dietary Guidelines Does Not Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence or Death, According to a New Study

July 18, 2007

Diet and Breast Cancer Eating a diet very high in vegetables, fruit and fiber and low in fat, did not...

Calcium, Vitamin D Supplements May Help Prevent Weight Gain in Postmenopausal Women

May 14, 2007

Supplements may prevent weight gain in women Largest national study of its kind finds popular nutritional supplements have minimal, but...

Risk of Autism Rises With Age of Moms, Dads

April 2, 2007

Kaiser Permanente study of more than 132,000 children suggests link between chronic, life-long condition and advanced maternal and paternal age...

Middle Age Brings Substantial Fitness Declines, Weight Gains

February 28, 2007

Middle Age and Fitness Levels Largest, long-term study of physical fitness change in U.S. investigates fitness trends in Caucasian and...

Kaiser Permanente Unveils Groundbreaking Genetic Research Program

February 14, 2007

Researchers aim to reveal the genetic and environmental causes behind deadly and disabling diseases Oakland, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2007)—The Kaiser...

Placing Limits on Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits May Lower Spending on Medications but May Also Raise Other Health Costs

May 31, 2006

Medicare + Choice Oakland, Calif. Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - In a study that looked at Medicare + Choice (a...

Reassuring News for Parents of Jaundiced Newborns

May 3, 2006

Study shows infants with high bilirubin levels no more likely to suffer long-term developmental problems than other infants OAKLAND, Calif.,...

New Long-term Study Adds to Evidence Linking Epstein-Barr Virus to Multiple Sclerosis

April 12, 2006

Epstein-Barr virus & multiple sclerosis Young adults with high levels of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that most...

Standard Dose of Popular Herbal Therapy No Better Than Placebo

February 8, 2006

Kaiser Permanente study shows Saw Palmetto not effective at relieving prostate problems  Oakland, Calif. February 8, 2006 - The herbal...

Low-fat Diets Alone Offer Slim Benefits for Women

February 7, 2006

WHI & Low-fat Diets Oakland, Calif. Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - Following a diet lower in total fat, without making...

Losing Weight Could Prevent Deadly Kidney Disease

January 3, 2006

Kidney Disease Oakland, Calif. January 3, 2006 - If you are one of the millions of Americans who are vowing...

Pacifier Use Could Cut Crib Deaths by 90 Percent

December 8, 2005

Pacifiers and SIDS Kaiser Permanente study provides new hope for SIDS risk Oakland, Calif. December 8, 2005. Using a pacifier...

Kaiser Permanente Research: Computers in Exam Room Help Patient and Doctor Communicate

June 5, 2005

Computers and Communication Patients’ satisfaction with doctors’ care higher after introduction of computers Oakland, CA and Portland, OR June 5,...

Obesity in Middle Age Increase Risk of Dementia Later in Life

April 27, 2005

Obesity and Dementia OAKLAND, Calif., April 27, 2005 – Obesity has long been known to increase the risk of a...

Kaiser Permanente Research: Study of Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients Identifies Women at Low Risk of Breast Cancer Mortality

December 9, 2004

21-gene test predicts mortality risk in epidemiological study. SAN ANTONIO – December 9, 2004, Kaiser Permanente researchers are presenting results...

Kaiser Permanente Researchers Will Evaluate Whether Lifestyle Changes Improve Prognosis for Women With Breast Cancer

November 8, 2004

Breast Cancer OAKLAND, Calif., November 8, 2004 Researchers at Kaiser Permanente have received a $10 million grant to study whether...

Study Examines Relationship Between Breast Density and Second Breast Cancers for Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

October 5, 2004

Breast Density and DCIS Oakland, Calif., October 5, 2004--Having highly dense breasts may be associated with an increased risk of...

Even Mild Kidney Disease Increases Risk of Heart Attack or Death

September 21, 2004

Oakland, CA—Chronic kidney disease—even asymptomatic forms of the disease—increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, or death, according to...

Study Shows Role of Genetic Makeup Between Parents in Preterm Delivery

August 31, 2004

Transmission of Parentally Shared Human Leukocyte Antigen Gene Increases Risk of Early Births Oakland, Calif., August 31, 2004--The transmission of...

Can Mammograms Help Predict Cardiovascular Disease?

May 25, 2004

Mammograms, New Findings are Promising OAKLAND, Calif., May 25, 2004 -- The presence of breast vascular calcifications found through common...

Gestational Diabetes Increases 35% in 10 Years

February 24, 2004

GDM - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Kaiser Permanente Research shows risky condition becoming more prevalent in younger pregnant women. Oakland, CA—Kaiser...

Fitness Now May Keep You Healthy Later

December 17, 2003

Study included 1,000 Kaiser members from Oakland, followed subjects over 15 years Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - People who failed...

Link Between Cannabis and Death Still Not Established

September 19, 2003

Cannabis and Death Although the use of cannabis is not harmless, its link with death is still not established, argues...

NSAIDS and Miscarriage

August 16, 2003

Exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage: population based cohort study. According to a new publication...