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 on how it all began and in our interactive anniversary timeline.
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.
