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Monitoring the Global Tobacco Epidemic: Data to Action Course

Monitoring the Global Tobacco Epidemic: Data to Action Course

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Press Release

Data to Action graphic

Econometrica built a web-based e-learning course for CDC Foundation’s Monitoring the Global Tobacco Epidemic: Data to Action course. This e-learning course supports CDC Foundation’s goal of helping countries understand how to use data to combat the tobacco epidemic. The course was translated from English to Spanish, Russian, French, and Mandarin Chinese. Econometrica and CDC Foundation worked collaboratively to develop the e-learning course and ensure that it is accessible, interactive, and engaging.

Additionally, the Econometrica Team created short, animated videos using Animaker, Camtasia, and Headliner for inclusion within the course.

The CDC Foundation’s Monitoring the Global Tobacco Epidemic: Data to Action course is available at: https://www.gtssacademy.org/learning/.

About the CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit and sole entity created by Congress to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) critical health protection work. The CDC Foundation forges effective partnerships between CDC and corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals to fight threats to health and safety. Learn more at www.cdcfoundation.org.

Work With Us, Work for Us

Econometrica specializes in research and management across numerous industries in both the public and private sectors. We are always looking to hire the best and brightest in data science, health, grants management, energy, homeland security, housing and community development, capital markets and finance, and transportation. We work as the lead service provider, and also as a capable outsource partner to other consultancies. To work with us on your next project, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty. To explore the benefits of working for us, visit our careers page.

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Econometrica’s Data Scientists Use AI to Customize Research

Econometrica’s Data Scientists Use AI to Customize Research

by | Apr 4, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

Data science graphic
As a business management consultant firm, we understand the power of data science to evaluate and inform by collecting and examining information across a multitude of analytical platforms. Modern data science enables our researchers to dig deeper and uncover critical truths in a wide variety of projects for the government and private sectors.
We recently added narrow-based language models of artificial intelligence (AI) to Econometrica’s technical capabilities. AI allows us to bring a fresh perspective and highly customized results to our clients and partners in health, housing, communications, finance, homeland security, maritime and water resources, energy, and grants management.

Two key benefits differentiate narrow-based language AI from its predecessors:
    • Upgraded search capabilities: Our data scientists can search and organize large amounts of data more quickly and efficiently.
    • Highly detailed customization: The AI learns concepts based on words with similar uses, including synonyms, abbreviations, and common misspellings to produce more robust search results.

“Machine learning is newer in the areas we typically work. There are not many people in the world who know how to build narrow-based language models,” says Douglas Schuweiler, a data scientist in Econometrica’s Data Analytics Group. A specialist in behavioral neuroscience, Dr. Schuweiler studied how the brain learns by building artificial neural network models while earning his Ph.D. at Illinois State University.

“Using this newer level of artificial intelligence, we can build a model that is tailored to each client and focused on the data that needs to be analyzed,” says Dr. Schuweiler.

Data Science in Action: Program Evaluation

Recently, Econometrica was tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with evaluating a nationwide grant program for disaster preparedness. In other words, were the projects generating the intended outcomes? We had to determine the effectiveness of 100,000 individual grant projects, but there was a great deal of latitude in the outcomes each project could achieve.

We used narrow-based language AI to analyze the project descriptions written by grant recipients. “It allowed us to form a more precise evaluation by matching the grant programs with their targeted outcomes,” says Dr. Schuweiler.

This summary of the FEMA project is simplified, but completing this task takes a significant time commitment from specialists with high-level expertise. Before comparing grant project descriptions to their intended outcomes, our team had to develop another model to differentiate project descriptions with a high level of detail from project descriptions with a low level of detail. The process took more than 6 months.

Data science is the linchpin in many of Econometrica’s projects. We use data analytics in statistical sampling, machine learning, data scrubbing, economic modeling, and analysis support for audits, regulatory work, improper payments, and predictive analytics. This support includes the following:

    • Development of detailed sampling plans.
    • Advanced statistical analysis of the results.
    • Comprehensive reports that document the methodologies used and certify the statistical validity of the analysis.

One recent data science project earned an Award for Excellence for our Data Analytics Group, based on the real-world impact it created. You can read about it here.

Work With Us, Work for Us

Econometrica specializes in data analytics for the public and private sector. Our team represents the best and brightest in data science, health, grants management, energy, homeland security, housing and community development, capital markets and finance, and transportation. We work as the lead service provider, and also as an outsource partner to other consultancies. For exceptional results on your next project, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty. To explore the benefits of working for us, visit our careers page.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
Econometrica’s Experience and Capabilities Related to Serving People With Disabilities

Econometrica’s Experience and Capabilities Related to Serving People With Disabilities

by | Mar 21, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

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Projects Involving People With Disabilities

Econometrica’s subject matter experts and project staff have more than 80 years of combined experience working on projects related to chronic health conditions and disabilities.

Post-Acute Care (PAC) Training, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

For over 7 years, Econometrica has developed and provided training to PAC providers on interviewing and assessing patients with regard to their disabilities and other medical conditions. PAC includes rehabilitation and palliative care for patients who have had treatment for a short-term medical condition, such as a severe injury, short-term illness, or surgery, and require continued medical care and assistance with daily living activities. We have created live in-person trainings and remote webinars, asynchronous e-learning courses, training videos, and associated job aids and documentation. We have trained more than 250,000 PAC medical providers across five care settings.

State Data Resource Center, CMS

By analyzing, organizing, and publishing Medicare data for States, Econometrica’s work on the State Data Resource Center project helped address care fragmentation issues for people who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Econometrica conducted research, presented webinars, authored white papers, and developed a data portal to make these important data more accessible. People who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare—including those who receive long-term care services and support for disabilities (49 percent of the dually eligible population) and those who have multiple chronic conditions (60 percent)—experience high rates of chronic illness.1 Econometrica’s work with Medicaid and Medicare data helped provide insight into the needs of people with disabilities.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), CMS

PACE provides home- and community-based services for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries who want to stay at home and need a nursing home level of care to do so. PACE participants have multiple disabilities and need assistance with daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, transferring, toileting, eating, and walking. PACE participants have on average six chronic medical conditions, and 90 percent are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.2 Econometrica conducted 31 site visits to PACE organizations and interviewed PACE staff, caregivers, and participants to better understand the type of care received by PACE participants and how to systematically assess the quality of care delivered through the program. Our team conducted 15 technical expert panel meetings and hosted discussions with experts in the field to analyze existing quality measures and propose new ones, three of which are now endorsed by the National Quality Forum. Through this research, we learned more about the intricate needs of medically fragile Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, their family caregivers, and those who provide essential healthcare services to them.

2 National PACE Association. (2020, March). PACE by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.npaonline.org/sites/default/files/images/infographic_images/ pace_infographic_update_side1_may2021.pdf.

 

Accessible Training

Econometrica has specific expertise in creating trainings that are fully accessible to all participants. We believe not just in fulfilling the basic obligations of Federal accessibility laws, but also in maintaining the spirit of those laws, making information access for people with disabilities as close as possible to the experience of those without disabilities. We have dedicated Learning Solutions and Section 508 Compliance teams that provide expertise, tools, and procedures from the beginning of each project to ensure accessibility prior to public release. Since we plan for accessibility from the start, we provide our clients with realistic expectations and avoid costly rework.
As more communication moves online, Econometrica excels in providing online training that is accessible to people with disabilities in both instructor-led live sessions and asynchronous, self-paced e-learning courses.

Instructor-Led Live Trainings In-Person Training

Econometrica ensures that the in-person trainings we conduct are accessible. We provide closed captioning during the event and ensure that all facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, we simulcast our trainings so that those who have barriers to travel can participate online. We utilize technology that allows remote attendees to participate in any participant interactions, such as answering knowledge check questions, submitting questions to presenters, and evaluating the training.

Webinars

Econometrica designs and facilitates engaging webinars for audiences ranging in size from more than 1,000 to 35. Our webinars include both live captions during the presentation and edited captions in the recordings to ensure all acronyms and technical terms are correct for those with hearing disabilities. All supporting documentation, such as slide decks and job aids, are made Section 508 compliant prior to release.

Asynchronous E-Learning

Econometrica’s instructional designers make deliberate e-learning decisions with learners with disabilities in mind, such as minimizing the use of audio narration so as not to conflict with screen readers and including alternate text for figures and images. Econometrica develops courses using Articulate Rise, which has more built-in accessibility advantages than traditional, slide-based e-learning platforms:

    • The web-based platform allows updates to courses to be made and pushed live immediately, so learners with disabilities do not have to wait weeks for an accessible version of the updated information.
    • Content automatically adjusts to fit the screen of different devices (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), so learners with disabilities can use any device with their accessibility software.
    • Interactions that increase learner engagement, such as sorting, matching, and flashcards, are all Section 508 compliant in Articulate Rise and allow for keyboard navigation, unlike other platforms.

Econometrica has spent years understanding the needs of people with disabilities. We are passionate about inclusively designing communications and trainings for all. Please reach out to us to discuss how we can bring our expertise to your next contract or event.

Additional Resource

Disabilities Experience Capabilities PDF

Need experience and capabilities related to serving people with disabilities? Contact Us.

Our experts are here to help you. For a quick, direct response, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
A Health Equity Lens Brings Meaningful Focus to Research

A Health Equity Lens Brings Meaningful Focus to Research

by | Mar 9, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

Magnifying lens graphic

Now more than ever, equity—and particularly health equity—are trending topics in the United States. Government, nonprofit, and private organizations alike are examining programs and services to prevent disparities in how socially disadvantaged populations access and use them.

At Econometrica, we refer to health equity as a “lens” because we use it to bring a sharper focus to every project. Whether it is analytical services, technical support, web-based training, instructional design, or collaborating with stakeholders, this lens helps us refine our work. An emphasis on diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexuality, ability, politics, discipline, and geography makes sure we represent all voices. We also consider social determinants of health (SDOH): the environment where a person is born, lives, learns, works, and ages that plays a role in their health and quality of life. Being mindful of health equity helps us identify systems of oppression that can skew results. With that awareness, we can develop effective solutions, leading to meaningful, real-world outcomes.

Health Equity in Action: Quality Measures

During a recent project for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Econometrica identified and developed a new set of quality measures to promote the transparent comparison of the quality of participant care. The National Quality Forum (NQF), an organization that sets standards for quality measurement in healthcare, endorsed three of these new measures.

One key gauge of PACE’s success is whether participants can maintain living in the community. This includes living options such as assisted living facilities, affordable housing for older individuals, or in their own homes with the aid of a caregiver, rather than long-term nursing homes or hospitals. However, compared to urban areas, rural areas have fewer of these community living options 

In order to cultivate results that provide an accurate picture of how PACE is performing, Econometrica designed a measure of “community” that did not penalize communities with fewer living options. We flipped the framing of the measure, instead deciding to frame the measure as the percentage of PACE participants who reside in long-term nursing homes or hospitals. This changed measure was more inclusive of all communities, even those with limited living choices.

In addition to the more inclusive measure of community, we used the following methods with health equity in mind:

    • Oversampled rural sites to maintain perspective
    • Disaggregated, or separated, measure testing data by gender and age to identify underlying patterns
    • Ensured cultural competency for advanced directive measures

Use SDOH to Ask the Right Questions

Using this health equity lens allows us to formulate the right questions, so we have the most effective tools to determine who is really benefitting from a program like PACE. Did it work for everyone in the same way? Were the benefits and burdens equally distributed? The results help policymakers refine the program to more precisely benefit participants.

During the four-year PACE project, Econometrica conducted a wide range of information-gathering activities using health equity as a guide. Our team convened a technical expert panel to engage the input of specialists in the field through 15 panel meetings, interviews, and one-on-one discussion. We made 31 site visits to PACE organizations and interviewed PACE staff, caregivers, and participants.

Commit to Health Equity

Working with partners, managing projects, analyzing data, and developing training materials with an eye on diversity is a natural priority when it is at the forefront of company culture. At Econometrica, we have:

  • A staunch commitment to hiring people with diverse backgrounds and experiences: Econometrica’s team members speak English, Farsi, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish. We specialize in conducting interviews for non-English speakers and creating culturally appropriate materials.
  • Expertise in working with diverse populations: Our projects have served older adults, adults with disabilities, racially diverse populations, families with children younger than 6, and low-income communities. Our team includes public health and community health researchers, a gerontologist, and former nursing home administrator.
  • Firm dedication to staying on the forefront of the latest trends in health equity research: We follow on-topic learning resources and create scholarly articles, including our newly published policy review, “Innovations to Address Social Determinants of Health.” 

Work With Us, Work for Us

Econometrica specializes in research and management across numerous industries in both the public and private sectors. We are always looking to hire the best and brightest in data science, health, grants management, energy, homeland security, housing and community development, capital markets and finance, and transportation. We work as the lead service provider, and also as a capable outsource partner to other consultancies. To work with us on your next project, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty. To explore the benefits of working for us, visit our careers page.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
Econometrica’s Program Evaluation Informs Policy and Impacts Lives

Econometrica’s Program Evaluation Informs Policy and Impacts Lives

by | Feb 9, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

The Right Partner

Program evaluation is a powerful management and policy-making tool. It provides critical information beyond whether a program achieved its intended outcome, offering a deeper understanding of how and why the program works. This valuable insight is essential to enhancing results, avoiding unwanted consequences, and replicating the program in new places.

Program evaluation can also impact lives in important ways. It can help improve access to healthcare for culturally diverse groups; make healthcare surveys easier for seniors to complete; and enhance how the Federal Government administers emergency management funding.

To realize its potential, however, a program evaluation must be made to fit the situation. It must deploy measurement and analysis tailored to the unique on-the-ground features of both the program and its field of impact. The resulting information then needs to be intentionally woven into the program’s decision-making structure. Over decades of practice, Econometrica has developed an innovative mixed-methods approach to evaluation that ensures the relevance, quality, and utility of each of our evaluation efforts.

Econometrica is a qualified and experienced program evaluator for government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits. We offer qualitative and quantitative data analyses with expert review and consensus that are smartly packaged and clearly reported. The result is insight and action.

To interpret how and why programs succeed or fail, our mixed-methods approach combines five technical fields: mathematics, statistics, simulation, economic decision theory, and advanced communication processes. We interview a program’s stakeholders and participants, document the program as operated, gather defining data, analyze for findings and insight, and support effective user review and response. Our evaluation digs deeper and produces more, providing insight into how best to administer and adjust policies and programs to benefit the people and organizations affected by them.

Partnership Opportunities for Business Management Consultants

As a large business management consultant, your company may want a reliable small business partner to focus on a specialized industry sector. Alternatively, you may need a customized program for data analysis. It may be especially difficult to know where to start if you are a local government agency, nonprofit, or small business tasked with grant and policy obligations.

In our 25 years of helping organizations understand and manage policies and procedures, Econometrica has serviced more than 250 federal contracts. Our team features 90 data analysis experts and specialists in a wide range of industries, including:

    • Health
    • Housing
    • Communications
    • Finance
    • Homeland security
    • Maritime and water resources
    • Energy
    • Grants management

Experts in Deep Program Evaluation: Why Choose Us?

From large federal contracts to individual grant assignments, leading organizations consistently turn to us to deliver high-quality program evaluations. As one notable example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has named us an approved CMS contractor for the Research, Measurement, Assessment, Design, and Analysis (RMADA) 2. This indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract covers program monitoring and evaluation; data collection, analysis, and reporting; and system development and implementation.

Our clients consistently turn to us for their program evaluation needs because of the unique array of skills and experience we offer, which includes:

    • Innovative solutions for complex cases: We customize the quantitative and qualitative analysis in our mixed-methods evaluation to meet the needs of your organization.
    • Industry experience and technical capabilities: Our highly trained team understands the policies and objectives that are crucial to the federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private sectors.
    • Creative presentations: We deliver clear, concise, and complete reports that are easy to understand.
    • Access to experts: Our friendly, approachable experts provide feedback throughout the project.
    • Flexibility: We can conduct in-person program evaluation throughout the United States. We handle projects from large to small and adjust workflow to meet your project timeline.

Unique Challenges, Trusted Results in Many Settings

Program evaluation is not just about the numbers. Our comprehensive program evaluations are built to meet the depth and scale of each assignment so that when we evaluate a program, our client receives valuable feedback that can inform policy and affect lives.

Econometrica’s recent success stories show the scale, range, and diversity of our work:

    • Large-scale national programs: We evaluated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs that deliver more than $1.3 billion in annual funding across the United States, providing FEMA with new insights into program effectiveness and performance.
    • Rapid response to decision maker needs: Our support of the feasibility evaluation for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supplied actionable recommendations to help the public accurately respond to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, providing policymakers with rich new data.
    • Innovative solutions to challenging measurement and analysis situations: While providing technical assistance to the Indian Health Service, we evaluated programs within the Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program, including developing a novel online reporting system to collect standardized data across multiple sites. Our evaluation insights helped ensure that American Indian and Alaska Native people have access to comprehensive, culturally acceptable, and personal injury prevention health services.

Need Program Evaluation? Contact Us.

Our experts are here to help you. For a quick, direct response, visit us online and email a member of our executive staff in your preferred specialty.

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