As a research center embedded within Kaiser Permanente’s large and dynamic health care system, our investigators have a unique opportunity to apply scientific expertise to real-world clinical problems, translate findings into practice, and share what we learn with the broader community.
Dr. Claudia Nau is a sociologist and demographer by training. Her work focuses on addressing social determinants and the social needs of patients. One of her particular interests is devising strategies to support patients in addressing the web of challenges that social determinants and chronic illness bring about. To meet that purpose, she is involving community, patient, and clinical stakeholders in developing approaches for whole-person care.
Dr. Nau also applies predictive modeling to ...
Researchers, clinicians, and operational leadership at Kaiser Permanente Southern California use research findings to make it easier for members to get important screenings and to stay healthy. Kristi Reynolds, PhD, MPH, director of epidemiologic research, explains how studying risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure or lead exposure, helps develop better ways to prevent illness. Dr. Reynolds is motivated to study heart disease because heart diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States.* (1:56)
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts: 2010.
A study among Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California shows that allowing patients to self-order a colorectal cancer screening test online improves rates of testing completion. The rates of both completion and follow-up activities were higher among patients who ordered the tests themselves than those who received the test kit automatically in the mail when ...
The use of a standardized tool for assessing the risk of serious outcomes in patients with chest pain was associated with women at high risk receiving comparable care to men, according to new research published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Care received by women at low and intermediate risk was consistent with current clinical ...
Asian American children are at a much higher risk of a progression of myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness—a new Kaiser Permanente Southern California study shows. “Some people think of myopia only as an issue that can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, myopic patients have a higher risk of vision loss throughout life ...
Kidney dialysis patients should take extra precautions to avoid being infected with COVID-19. A new Kaiser Permanente Southern California study found patients on dialysis have 18 times higher risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who do not have end-stage kidney disease. Intuitively, the physicians and researchers knew that these patients may be ...
Chunyuan Qiu, MD, MS, is a clinician investigator for the Department of Research & Evaluation and the chief of the Department of Anesthesiology at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center. He is actively involved in teaching regional anesthesia fellows. In his practice, he focuses on the long-term outcomes after surgery and anesthesia. What is the value ...
The latest edition of our IMPACT newsletter features new research about calculating COVID risk quickly, myopia progression, COVID and dialysis, a new clinical trial, a video about early detection of pancreatic cancer, and a Q&A with Dr. Chunyuan Qiu, pictured above at Sequoia National Park’s Farewell Gap.
Our behavioral scientists focus on research that has the potential to reduce disease risk by identifying modifiable risk factors and encouraging health-promoting behaviors. Faculty members have expertise in the following areas: adverse childhood experiences, cancer, chronic disease prevention and screening, diet and nutrition, mental health, obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, social determinants of health, and weight loss surgery and interventions.
The behavioral research portfolio includes intervention studies as well as qualitative and quantitative studies. The division also supports recruitment and other activities of the Kaiser Permanente Research Bank in Southern California.