Fremont patients who have surgery now have a better understanding of their care when they go home.
A Walnut Creek intensive care unit has stronger morale and teamwork, thanks to recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities.
These two examples were among the 80 nurse-driven projects that were featured at the recent Kaiser Permanente 2026 Research and Innovation Academy annual conference. The Research and Innovation Academy is a division of the KP Scholars Academy that supports projects to improve care experiences and workplace culture.
Centered on the theme “The Pulse of Possibility, Quantum Caring, and a New Era of Inquiry,” the two-day conference drew 300 nurses from across Northern California. They explored presentations, connected with project authors, and attended breakout sessions and panel discussions.
“The annual conference reinforces our shared commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and continual learning,” said Jim D’Alfonso, DNP, RN, executive director, regional patient care services and KP Scholars Academy. “This is where inquiry comes to life. When nurses are supported to ask questions, test ideas, and share what works, we accelerate better outcomes for our patients and communities.”
Cherry David, BSN, RN, a perioperative nurse from Fremont, attended and presented at the conference for the first time.
“I was inspired by the range of projects and the shared commitment to improving patient care,” she said. “It left me feeling energized and proud to be part of this work.”
Recognizing Excellence
The conference’s top honors reflected that spirit of innovation and shared learning. Awards were given in 3 categories: impact, creativity, and poster design.
David and her colleagues from the Fremont Perioperative team earned the Most Impact Award for introducing a discharge communication folder to help patients better understand their care after surgery.
“Presenting our project was an honor and a chance to show how frontline nursing innovation can directly improve the patient experience,” David said. “Receiving the Most Impact Award is incredibly meaningful because it affirms our team’s work and the importance of clear, consistent communication during discharge.”
The Modesto intensive care team received the Most Innovative Award for reimagining its annual skills day by making it a simulation-based training and extending the experience from 4 to 8 hours. Participation increased with the new hands-on approach, leading to meaningful gains in critical skills, such as emergency response and infection prevention.
The Walnut Creek intensive care team earned the award for best designed poster that highlighted its work to strengthen teamwork and morale. Through recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities, team members created a more positive and supportive work environment, resulting in improved teamwork scores and staff feedback.
“These projects show that innovation doesn’t have to be complex. It starts with listening to patients, listening to staff—and then taking action in ways that matter,” D’Alfonso said. “This work is about more than projects. It’s about building a culture where nurses feel empowered to lead change every day.”
