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.
Use of EHR Associated with Improvements in Outcomes for Patients With Diabetes
OAKLAND, Calif. — Use of electronic health records was associated with improved drug-treatment intensification, monitoring and risk-factor control among patients with diabetes, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study. In the study, which appears in the current issue of…
Protection Against Whooping Cough Waned During the Five Years After Fifth Dose of DTaP
OAKLAND, Calif. - Protection against whooping cough (also called pertussis) waned during the five years after the fifth dose of the combined diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, according to researchers from the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center. The fifth…
Almost Half of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Report Acute and Chronic Pain, Researchers Find
Study authors recommend adding palliative care to diabetes management Almost half of adults with type 2 diabetes report acute and chronic pain, and close to one quarter report neuropathy, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance and physical or emotional disability, according to…
In-Utero Exposure to Magnetic Fields Associated with Increased Risk of Obesity in Childhood
OAKLAND, Calif. July 27, 2012- - In-utero exposure to relatively high magnetic field levels was associated with a 69 percent increased risk of being obese or overweight during childhood compared to lower in-utero magnetic field levels, according to a Kaiser…
Kaiser Permanente Division of Research Names Tracy Lieu, MD, MPH Its Fifth Director
OAKLAND, Calif., July 16, 2012 – The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. has named Tracy Lieu, MD, MPH its fifth director. Lieu continues an unbroken line of physician researchers who have led the Division of Research during…
Infertility History/Treatment Not Associated with ASDs for Single Births
For Multiple Births More Research Is Needed OAKLAND, Calif., Month, Day, 2012 – In a new study, neither infertility history nor treatment for infertility was associated with risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among singleton births. For multiple births, the…
Weight Loss Resulting from a Low-Fat Diet May Help Eliminate Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Menopausal Women
OAKLAND, Calif. — Weight loss that occurs in conjunction with a low-fat, high fruit and vegetable diet may help to reduce or eliminate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause, according to a Kaiser Permanente Division of Research study…
Eleven Integrated Health Systems Form Largest Private-Sector Diabetes Registry in United States
Researchers use database of more than 1 million diverse diabetes patients to find better treatment and prevention strategies PORTLAND, Ore. — Eleven integrated health systems, with more than 16 million members, have combined de-identified data from their electronic health records…
Telephone Contact with Nurses is Associated with Improved Outcomes
OAKLAND, Calif., May 25, 2012– Among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, referral to a telephone-based nurse management program was associated with lower risk of high baby birth weight and increased postpartum glucose testing, according to Kaiser Permanente researchers. Investigators for…
Body Mass Index (BMI) Thresholds for Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes
OAKLAND, Calif., May 22, 2012 – Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds for increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) vary by racial/ethnic group, according to Kaiser Permanente Division of Research investigators. Asian and Filipina women had an increased risk of GDM…