The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and society at large. We seek to understand the determinants of illness and well-being and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. DOR’s 600-plus staff is currently working on more than 580 epidemiological and health services research projects. Read our story or watch our video of how it all began and learn even more from our interactive anniversary timeline.
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. The study was led by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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.