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.

Early antibiotics for sepsis supported in new study

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.
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Messages from doctors increased COVID-19 vaccination among Black, Latino elders

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.
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Bette Caan joins global Cancer Grand Challenges team

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.
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COVID-19 patients did better if they had booster vaccination

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.
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Not all heart failure patients require hospitalization

Kaiser Permanente researchers have developed a risk stratification tool to guide hospital admissions from the emergency department for patients with acute heart failure.
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Study offers reassurance to pregnant patients using biologic medications for autoimmune disorders

A new study led by Kaiser Permanente researchers provides reassurance about vaccinating infants whose mothers took biologic medications for an autoimmune disorder during pregnancy.
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Cancer biopsy during colonoscopy doesn’t start new tumors

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

Kaiser Permanente study suggests medical management alone may reduce stroke risk in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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Lifestyle coaching helps Black adults control high blood pressure

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