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.
Pandemic mental health, diabetes, early puberty highlighted in 2021 research podcasts
December 27, 2021
Investigators at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (DOR) study a wide variety of research topics, and that’s reflected in the range of subjects highlighted by KP Research Radio podcasts in 2021, offering a chance to hear researchers discuss the what – and why – of their work in their own words.
AI points to ways to improve doctor-patient communication
December 17, 2021
New study from Kaiser Permanente and UCSF aims to help doctors provide better care for patients with low health literacy.
People with HIV are at increased risk for heart failure
December 13, 2021
The Kaiser Permanente study found the risk difference was more pronounced in women, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and people under 40.
A researcher’s career improving hospital care began with the youngest patients
December 9, 2021
Gabriel Escobar, MD, retires in December after 30 years as a research scientist with DOR and as regional director for hospital operations research for Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).
Higher risk of dementia for older adults living with HIV
December 1, 2021
A study reviewing 16 years of patient data found nearly double the rate of dementia among people with HIV compared with those without HIV. The rate of dementia decreased over time for both groups but remained higher for those with HIV, reported research published in the journal AIDS.
Potential method to help assess prognosis for metastatic colorectal cancer discovered
November 29, 2021
Kaiser Permanente study led by Minggui Pan, MD, PhD, and Laurel Habel, PhD, suggests ties among mutation type, tumor location, and survival.
Spinal fractures in breast cancer survivors often tied to bone metastases
November 23, 2021
Kaiser Permanente study by Joan Lo, MD, and Marilyn Kwan, PhD, suggests studies that follow breast cancer survivors over time should differentiate between fracture types.
Hospitalizations for worsening heart failure are likely higher than current statistics suggest
November 22, 2021
Kaiser Permanente study led by research scientists Andrew Ambrosy, MD, and Alan Go, MD, used artificial intelligence to scan the electronic medical records of patients with a history of heart failure.
Smoking doubles the risk of premature heart disease
November 17, 2021
Alongside the Great American Smokeout, Kaiser Permanente research supports efforts to promote smoking cessation.
Similar follow-up after telemedicine and office visits
November 16, 2021
Patients who made appointments to see their primary care doctors by video or over the phone did not seek substantially more follow-up care overall than those who had traditional in-person visits, according to Kaiser Permanente research published November 16 in JAMA Network Open.
