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.
Middle Age Brings Substantial Fitness Declines, Weight Gains
Middle Age and Fitness Levels Largest, long-term study of physical fitness change in U.S. investigates fitness trends in Caucasian and African American men and women Oakland, Calif., Feb. 28, 2007 – Physical fitness and activity levels decline substantially as we…
Kaiser Permanente Unveils Groundbreaking Genetic Research Program
Researchers aim to reveal the genetic and environmental causes behind deadly and disabling diseases Oakland, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2007)—The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research is launching one of the largest research projects in the United States to examine…
Placing Limits on Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits May Lower Spending on Medications but May Also Raise Other Health Costs
Medicare + Choice Oakland, Calif. Wednesday, May 31, 2006 - In a study that looked at Medicare + Choice (a program that preceded Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage) researchers concluded that a cap on drug benefits for Medicare patients…
Reassuring News for Parents of Jaundiced Newborns
Study shows infants with high bilirubin levels no more likely to suffer long-term developmental problems than other infants OAKLAND, Calif., May 3, 2006 -- Newborn babies who are diagnosed with and treated for jaundice are no more likely than other…
New Long-term Study Adds to Evidence Linking Epstein-Barr Virus to Multiple Sclerosis
Epstein-Barr virus & multiple sclerosis Young adults with high levels of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that most often causes mononucleosis, may be more likely to develop multiple sclerosis 15 to 20 years later, according to a study…
Standard Dose of Popular Herbal Therapy No Better Than Placebo
Kaiser Permanente study shows Saw Palmetto not effective at relieving prostate problems Oakland, Calif. February 8, 2006 - The herbal remedy saw palmetto is no more effective than a placebo at treating symptoms related to enlargement of the prostate gland,…
Low-fat Diets Alone Offer Slim Benefits for Women
WHI & Low-fat Diets Oakland, Calif. Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - Following a diet lower in total fat, without making any other lifestyle changes, did not significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke, and did not…
Losing Weight Could Prevent Deadly Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease Oakland, Calif. January 3, 2006 - If you are one of the millions of Americans who are vowing to lose weight in 2006 a new study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente could help offer you some extra incentive.…
Pacifier Use Could Cut Crib Deaths by 90 Percent
Pacifiers and SIDS Kaiser Permanente study provides new hope for SIDS risk Oakland, Calif. December 8, 2005. Using a pacifier during sleep can reduce a baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, by more than 90 percent. That’s…
Kaiser Permanente Research: Computers in Exam Room Help Patient and Doctor Communicate
Computers and Communication Patients’ satisfaction with doctors’ care higher after introduction of computers Oakland, CA and Portland, OR June 5, 2005—Researchers with Kaiser Permanente find patients are more satisfied with their care and communicate better with their doctors when computers…
