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Kaiser Permanente


AI and polygenic scores improve breast cancer risk assessment

A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that combining AI mammographic risk scores with polygenic and clinical risk scores more accurately identifies women at high risk of developing breast cancer than clinical risk scores used alone. The combined model was found to improve prediction accuracy, particularly among women at highest risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 23, 2026

Cannabis use in pregnancy may raise infant health risks

A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 27, 2023

Kaiser Permanente cancer survival rates higher

Researchers found higher 5-year survival rates among Kaiser Permanente patients compared to National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) estimates. Improved screening rates, cancer treatment pathways, and coordinated care may have contributed to these higher survival rates.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Permanente Journal·DateSep 20, 2023

Study finds similar health outcomes for pregnant patients receiving in-person prenatal care or a combination of virtual and in-office visits

A large new study by Kaiser Permanente found no significant differences in health outcomes between pregnant patients receiving in-person or multimodal (virtual + in-office) prenatal care. Rates of complications like preeclampsia, severe maternal morbidity, and NICU admissions remained steady across time periods.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 18, 2023

Blood pressure patterns in the first half of pregnancy improve early prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 12, 2023

Current air pollution standards tied to higher heart risks

A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 24, 2023

More exercise linked to less-severe COVID-19 outcomes

A study by Kaiser Permanente found that physically active individuals had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research showed an association between physical activity and improved COVID-19 outcomes across major demographic groups, including black, Hispanic, and Asian patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 15, 2022

Helping patients with addiction tackle their health needs

A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 10, 2022

Early control of blood sugar key for gestational diabetes

A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that pregnant women with gestational diabetes who achieve rapid glucose control have better birth outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 26,000 patients and identified four trajectories of glucose control, with those starting out with optimal levels and maintaining it having the best res...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 29, 2022

Increased health care use among patients after COVID-19

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 250,000 patients found that those infected with COVID-19 used more healthcare services in the 6 months following their infection. The study revealed a 4% increase in encounters, including virtual visits and emergency department visits, resulting in over 27,000 extra encounters.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 12, 2022

Shorter wait between COVID-19 and elective surgery possible

A recent Kaiser Permanente study suggests that fully vaccinated patients who have had COVID-19 may not be at an elevated risk of complications after surgery. The research analyzed records from over 228,000 surgeries and found no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 19, 2022

Lifestyle coaching lowers blood pressure in Black adults

A Kaiser Permanente study found that culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, leading to long-term benefits. The coaching program resulted in better blood pressure control compared to usual care and enhanced medication management programs.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2022

Coronavirus may double severe complications in pregnancy

A Kaiser Permanente analysis found that pregnant patients with COVID-19 were at twice the risk of poor outcomes, including preterm birth and venous thromboembolism. The study also showed a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity, including conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 21, 2022

Is blood pressure reading more accurate at home or clinic?

A new study led by Kaiser Permanente investigators found that home blood pressure monitoring is a better option for making new diagnoses of hypertension than clinic settings. This method allows for multiple readings to be collected and averaged, providing a more accurate representation of an individual's average blood pressure.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2022

Colon cancer screening can erase disparities in outcomes

A regionwide, structured colorectal cancer screening program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white Kaiser Permanente members. Organized screening outreach markedly increased screening rates and led to significant decreases in incidence and death rates.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study looks at Moderna COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2022

3 doses of Pfizer–BioNTech COVID vaccine better than 2

A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateFeb 14, 2022

Depression screening improves care for patients with cancer

A Kaiser Permanente study shows that well-designed depression screening programs can effectively identify patients in need of behavioral health care and increase referrals. The program was successfully integrated into the patient care workflow of medical oncology teams, leading to improved mental health care for breast cancer patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateJan 4, 2022

Similar follow-up after telehealth and office visits

The study of 2.2 million primary care visits found similar rates of follow-up care for all three visit types, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Virtual visits were shown to be a convenient and safe way to address some primary care needs without generating many follow-up office visits.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 16, 2021

Exercise linked to better mental health

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 20,000 participants found that people who exercised regularly and spent time outdoors during the pandemic reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. The study suggests that public health officials should encourage outdoor physical activity to maintain mental health during emergencies.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 11, 2021

Expanded lung screening rules provide more equitable care

A Kaiser Permanente study found that the 2021 USPSTF guidelines will likely increase lung cancer screening of women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This is expected to lead to an estimated 30% increase in lung cancer diagnoses compared to the 2013 recommendations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2021

Alternative to using race in kidney function test found

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente identified a blood cystatin C test as an alternative to estimate kidney function, eliminating the need for racial considerations. The study showed that this approach produces similarly accurate results and may promote equity for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Young children gained weight during the pandemic

A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 children found that those aged 5-11 gained more weight during the pandemic than teenagers. The result was a significant increase in overweight and obese children, highlighting the need for health-focused interventions to prevent long-term consequences.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2021