2025 Annual Report

In the media: Study links acupuncture to back-pain relief, Good Morning America, Sept. 15

Helping first-time screeners know when to return for lung cancer screening

KPWHRI research suggests that well-timed outreach with patient-centered materials can boost awareness about repeat lung cancer screening and when to get it. The researchers collaborated with a patient advisory board and with primary care physicians and leaders to understand the challenges and barriers to lung cancer screening. These partnerships produced a communication intervention for people who had recently had screening, combining print materials with a “patient voices” video. In a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of this intervention, the researchers found that first-time screeners were particularly likely to benefit: Those who’d received the intervention were 35% more likely to know to return in a year for their next screening.

Remote programs effective for chronic pain

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective nondrug treatment for people with chronic pain, but it can be expensive and isn’t always available — especially in rural areas. A randomized clinical trial co-led by KPWHRI found that CBT delivered remotely — via telehealth or an online program — is also effective. After 3 months, study participants having either type of remote CBT were significantly more likely to have a 30% or greater improvement in pain severity than those having routine care plus a mailed resource guide. The benefits were sustained over 12 months of follow-up.

Using analytics to prevent adverse COVID-19 outcomes

A paper published in 2025 examined a COVID-19 risk prediction model developed by the advanced analytics team at KPWHRI’s Center for Accelerating Care Transformation (ACT Center). This model helps Kaiser Permanente Washington care teams quickly and accurately identify patients at high risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, ensuring that Paxlovid and other potentially lifesaving medications are offered within the short window of time when treatment is effective. Thanks to this model, Kaiser Permanente Washington has had this capability since 2023. The recent paper shares a closer look at the model and how it was developed in hopes that other health systems can use these results to benefit patients nationwide.

Evaluating telehealth: Progress, challenges, and road ahead

In partnership with the California Health Care Foundation, KPWHRI’s Center for Community Health and Evaluation (CCHE) published a report analyzing California’s decades-long journey with telehealth. This comprehensive assessment provides actionable steps for key partners — including policymakers, health plans, health system leaders, providers, and researchers — to ensure that telehealth works for everyone, especially those who face the greatest barriers to care. Since 2020, CCHE’s evaluations have provided insights into what makes telehealth work in California’s safety net — such as dedicated resources to make operational changes, adoption of patient-friendly technology, and support for patients who experience digital barriers.