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. She is focused on addressing the social determinants of health and the social needs of patients. She is interested in devising strategies to support patients in addressing the web of challenges brought about by social determinants and chronic illness. To meet that purpose, she involves community, patient, and clinical stakeholders in developing approaches for whole-person care. She also focuses on improving food security for low-income patients ...
Over the years, clinical trials have led to amazing advances in treatment—even cures—for devastating illnesses. William Towner, MD, FACP, FIDSA, regional physician director for clinical trials, describes how trials at Kaiser Permanente contribute to the development of more effective and safer treatments for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, cancer, and more. (2:15)
A new study by Kaiser Permanente has shown that the ABRYSVO respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is very effective in reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays due to RSV among older adults. “This Kaiser Permanente research demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of RSV vaccination among those 60 and over,” said lead author Sara Y. Tartof, PhD, ...
Exposure to a specific kind of air pollution, fine particulate matter, during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Network Open. “Consistent with other study findings, this current study has demonstrated that ...
Javed Sheikh, MD, was recently named 2024 Physician Researcher of the Year by the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Sheikh is the vice area research chair for the Los Angeles area on the Regional Research Committee. He is chief of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center ...
After COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020, several smartphone-based reporting systems were developed to monitor vaccine side effects. They included V-safe from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, like most large surveillance systems, they had imperfections. Kaiser Permanente Southern California collaborated with the CDC and others to create a new system in ...
Research conducted at Kaiser Permanente has provided reassurance to the public and lawmakers by refuting claims that COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of cardiac-related death. “Our work reaffirms the previously established safety of COVID-19 vaccines,” said lead author Stanley Xu, PhD, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. The study addressed ...
In our newest edition of IMPACT, we share some of our recent research including one study about the effectiveness of the side-effect monitor our researchers developed during the early days of COVID that has gone onto being used to get feedback on other vaccines. Another study examined issues with chronic kidney disease, and the story reveals how that research has gone onto change practice. Other stories focus on research into air pollution and the risk of preterm birth, younger adults and colon cancer screening outreach, opioid use among breast cancer survivors and the risk of falls, COVID vaccines, and heart failure. We’ve also got 2 Q&As, one with the 2024 physician researcher of the year and one with the director of our Division of Epidemiologic Research.
Investigators with the Division of Epidemiologic Research apply rigorous research methods to address important health questions that have the potential to change clinical practice and health care delivery. The division’s research portfolio spans the care continuum, from etiology and prevention to survivorship and quality of life.
Division investigators have expertise in traditional epidemiologic studies, post-marketing safety and effectiveness studies, and outcomes research. Current research areas include cancer, cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, diabetes, infectious disease, molecular epidemiology, orthopedics and bone health, perinatal health, pharmacoepidemiology, and vaccines.