A large study of over 224,000 patients and 314,000 colonoscopies found that higher adenoma detection rates are associated with a decreased subsequent risk of colorectal cancer. The study confirms that adenoma detection rates are an accurate quality metric for clinicians performing colonoscopies.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy had a larger carotid artery wall thickness, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and heart disease. This finding suggests that reproductive complications can signal future disease risk.
A pilot study found that mailing free stool tests to patients' homes increased colon cancer screening rates by nearly 40% among uninsured and low-income patients. The test, called FIT, is simple, cost-effective, and can be done at home.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that an EHR-based screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) reduced the number of unscreened at-risk men by over 50% in 15 months. The program used electronic health records to signal providers that patients needed screening, leading to a significant decrease in unscreened patients.
A new evidence review finds that fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) detect about 79% of colorectal cancers and correctly identify 94% of patients without cancer. The test is simple, can be done at home, and can save lives, making it a great tool for assessing which patients have cancer and which do not.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 82,000 men found that prolonged sedentary behavior significantly increases the risk of heart failure. The study highlights the importance of a physically active and nonsedentary lifestyle for reducing this risk.
A new study found that using an online patient portal to refill medications increased medication adherence and improved cholesterol levels in patients with diabetes. The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, involved 17,760 patients with diabetes who used the online portal to order prescription refills.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The study included 407 children with autism and 2,075 matched children who did not have autism.
Researchers found that longer duration of diabetes and advancing age are associated with increased rates of diabetes complications, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular complications, and mortality. The study highlights the need for individualized care for older patients with type 2 diabetes.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that Native Americans and African-Americans with type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients aged 60 or older with type 2 diabetes and found that dementia rates were highest among these groups.
A study published in JAMA found that long-term use of common heartburn and ulcer medications is associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients who took these medications for more than two years had a 65% increase in their risk of deficiency, compared to those taking lower doses.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that tracking exercise habits leads to small but clinically significant weight loss and improved glucose control in overweight patients. The program, which asks patients about their exercise habits during routine visits, has been implemented across the organization's healthcare system.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 17,217 adult members with diabetes found that those using mail order pharmacies had significantly fewer emergency room visits for any cause. The study suggests that mail order pharmacy may improve patient safety and utilization without compromising patient outcomes.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that pre-pregnancy obesity and older maternal age are risk factors for delayed lactation in women with gestational diabetes. The study analyzed 883 women and reported that 33% experienced delayed milk production, which was associated with greater severity of GDM.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were overweight or obese at diagnosis were more likely to die from the disease. Men with high Gleason scores had the strongest correlation between body mass index and death, suggesting weight loss could prolong survival.
The American Thoracic Society expert panel recommends that patients work with their providers to develop individualized action plans to prevent 'dyspnea crisis' episodes. These plans can include alternative relaxation and breathing techniques, medications, and oxygen therapy to ease symptoms.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that individuals with low recorded CD4 cell counts have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to HIV-negative subjects. However, those with high CD4 cell counts had the same risk as the general population.
Kaiser Permanente's Complete Care model has shown steady improvement in quality scores, with an average increase of 13% compared to the national average. The program uses Proactive Office Encounters to address patient needs, promoting preventive care and improving chronic condition management.
Researchers studied over 4,000 Kaiser Permanente patients who underwent bariatric surgery for weight loss to determine the factors leading to remission of metabolic syndrome. Women, non-Hispanic whites were more likely to experience metabolic syndrome subside than Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that administering the first measles-containing vaccine between 12-15 months old is associated with a lower risk of fever and seizures compared to receiving it at 16-23 months. The study analyzed data from over 840,000 children who received a measles-containing vaccine between 2001 and 2011.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that children whose parents used an integrated personal health record were twice as likely to attend all recommended well-child care visits. The study also found a positive correlation between PHR use and immunization receipt, although the results in Hawaii were statistically non-significant.
Researchers found that young people who are overweight are twice as likely to have hypertension; moderately obese youths have four times higher risk. The study suggests pediatricians need to be particularly vigilant about screening overweight and obese children for hypertension.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that 77% of obese patients who used opioids before bariatric surgery continued to use them chronically after surgery. Chronic opioid use increased by 13% in the first year after surgery.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that automated telephone calls increased controlled hypertension among patients, especially those with multiple chronic conditions. The program also showed benefits for female patients with higher incomes and improved health outcomes for both patients and healthcare systems.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that electronic health records were associated with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for patients with diabetes. The use of EHRs improved the quality of care, resulting in fewer negative events.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women with low adiponectin levels prior to pregnancy are nearly seven times more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Low adiponectin levels were also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California's hypertension program, launched in 2001, nearly doubled the rate of blood pressure control among adult members with diagnosed hypertension. The program achieved sustained success through a comprehensive registry and frequent quality reports, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers created the first risk score predicting 10-year dementia risk for type 2 diabetes patients based on medical history and electronic health records. The Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score assigns a value to eight predictive factors, including microvascular disease and diabetic foot.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that only 20.9% of children who received an elevated blood pressure reading at a doctor's office went on to receive another screening within a month. Most children with one elevated blood pressure reading have normal blood pressure readings when checked again.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente and Yale University School of Medicine found that severe hypoglycemia affects many patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Nearly 11% of respondents experienced severe low blood sugar in the prior year, regardless of their blood sugar control level.
Researchers will use whole genome sequencing to inform couples about reproductive risks before they conceive, testing for rare diseases like Tay-Sachs and Canavan. The study aims to provide accurate genetic information to help couples make informed reproductive decisions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 16% higher vaccination rate in boys whose mothers received a flu shot, and 13% higher rate among those with a Pap screening. Boys from low-income neighborhoods, Hispanic, and enrolled in Medicaid programs also showed increased vaccine uptake.
A 13-year Kaiser Permanente study found no association between vaccination and increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers controlled for seasonality and analyzed 415 cases, finding only 25 patients had received a vaccine in the six weeks prior to illness onset.
A new risk assessment model helps physicians decide whether to start blood-thinning treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The model incorporates common clinical features and age categories to calculate a risk score, providing more reliable guidance.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high levels of BPA in urine were associated with a double risk of obesity in girls between 9 and 12 years old. The study suggests that BPA could be a potential environmental obesogen, contributing to the worldwide obesity epidemic.
Children with chronic conditions who missed more than half of recommended visits had three times the risk of hospitalization compared to those who attended most of their visits. Regular preventive care is crucial in identifying and managing health problems early.
A new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been found to be as safe as the previously used 7-valent PCV7, according to a Kaiser Permanente study. The vaccine protects against a broader range of pneumococcal types and provides protection against serious infections such as meningitis.
A new Kaiser Permanente study published in Pediatrics found that whole-cell pertussis vaccines were more effective at protecting against pertussis than acellular pertussis vaccines during a large recent outbreak in California. The study examined 138 individuals with confirmed pertussis and found that teenagers vaccinated with four dose...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that long-term use of prescription painkillers is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Men taking high-dose opioids for at least four months were 50% more likely to receive ED prescriptions than those who did not take opioids.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that breast cancer patients with strong social relationships, especially positive social interaction, reported improved physical quality of life and reduced pain. Tangible support, such as help with daily tasks, was also crucial for late-stage patients.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that black women have a 47% higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis than white women, while Hispanic and Asian patients have lower risks. The study also showed that black women had a higher incidence of MS than white women of both genders.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that nearly 30% of women with osteoporosis fail to pick up their bisphosphonate prescriptions within 60 days. The study identified patient and physician characteristics, such as age, emergency department utilization, and prescription medication use, that contribute to nonadherence.
A 14-year study found the varicella vaccine to be approximately 90% effective in preventing chicken pox, with a significant decrease in breakthrough cases over time. The second dose of varicella vaccine was found to be unnecessary for prevention of moderate to severe disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming high-fat dairy products following breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of dying from the disease. The study tracked over 1,800 women and found an association between high-fat dairy intake and poorer breast cancer survival.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 40,000 patients found no significant increase in surgical complications for those with diabetes. Despite previous findings suggesting a higher risk, researchers discovered better glycemic control among study participants reduced the impact of diabetes on surgery outcomes.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis found significant variation in vitamin D potency among supplements, with some products containing up to 146% more or less than listed values. The study suggests that consumers may not be getting the expected amount of vitamin D from their supplements.
Researchers found that high-dose, school-based interventions increased active minutes during PE classes, after-school programs, and walking to school. Community initiatives also led to improvements in school cafeteria lunch menus offering fresh produce.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that men on long-acting opioids are 5 times more likely to have low testosterone levels than those on short-acting opioids. The study compared 81 men with chronic pain and found that long-acting opioids significantly increased the risk of low testosterone.
A Kaiser Permanente study found basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas occur more than twice as often among HIV-positive individuals compared to those who are HIV-negative. The risk for these cancers is consistent with the growing evidence about this population's increased risk for a broad range of cancers.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 26,000 patients with diabetes found that controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial in preventing heart disease. Patients who met guidelines for all three risk factors had a significantly lower rate of hospitalization for heart attack or stroke.