(301) 657-9883 info@econometricainc.com
A Health Equity Lens Brings Meaningful Focus to Research

A Health Equity Lens Brings Meaningful Focus to Research

by | Sep 12, 2024 | Econometrica Blog

Health Equity Lens

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
Partnership Opportunities for Business Management Consultants

Partnership Opportunities for Business Management Consultants

by | Jul 10, 2024 | Econometrica Blog

The Right Partner

Partner with Econometrica

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

Econometrica’s Program Evaluation Informs Policy and Impacts Lives

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.

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.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
Broad Pragmatic Studies (Standing PFA) Applicant Town Hall PCORI Funding Announcement, Cycle 1 2024

Broad Pragmatic Studies (Standing PFA) Applicant Town Hall PCORI Funding Announcement, Cycle 1 2024

by | Jan 26, 2024 | Econometrica Blog

Call for Letters

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) held a town hall on January 24, 2024, to announce a call for letters of intent in PCORI’s “Broad Pragmatic Studies” program. The PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) invites applications for high-quality comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. The purpose of the town hall was to provide an overview and information applicants may need to submit a responsive application and to address questions.

All applications must align the proposed research with at least one of the five National Priorities for Health described in the PFA. In addition, the applicant is encouraged to select one or more Topic Themes.

The Five National Priorities are:

  1. Increase evidence for existing interventions and emerging innovation in health.
  2. Enhance infrastructure to accelerate patient-centered outcomes research.
  3. Advance the science of dissemination, implementation, and health communication.
  4. Achieve health equity.
  5. Accelerate progress toward an integrated learning health system.

These priorities are discussed in detail in the webinar together with research examples.

Special Areas of Interest

Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to submit research projects that address PCORI’s Special Areas of Emphasis (SAEs), which can fall under any of the five national priorities:

  • Long COVID
    Goals include testing the effectiveness of clinical interventions and health system strategies. Clinical outcomes must be included as part of the research.
  • Social Needs/Social Determinants of Health
    Examples include food insecurity, food as medicine, transportation, and housing security/stability. A plan for the sustainability of the intervention is required as well as measures of the impact of the intervention.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    The goal of this SAE is to compare treatment strategies for children, youth, Veterans, and civilian adults. Studies should compare interventions and enhance delivery of care outside of traditional mental health care settings.

Research designs of interest to PCORI include random control trials, well-designed observational studies, hybrid designs, and natural experiments.

Deadlines

Letter of Intent Deadline: February 6, 2024, by 5pm (ET)

Letter of Intent Status Notification: March 5, 2024

Application Deadline: May 7, 2024, by 5pm (ET)

Slides and the recorded presentation will be available shortly.

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
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

Alzheimers Awareness Month

Dementia is one of the most serious health and social care issues of our day. Approximately 50 million people around the world are living with dementia, and more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s.[1] Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults and is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.[2] One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.[3] As the world’s population ages, the serious implications of Alzheimer’s and other dementias on services and health systems will continue to grow. In fact, deaths from Alzheimer’s have more than doubled from 2000 to 2019,[4] and the number of people globally who have dementia is expected to triple by 2050.[5]

The Effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia are not limited to people living with these conditions; the demands of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia can significantly impact one’s physical and emotional wellbeing.[6] In the United States, more than 11 million people provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.[7] A strong support network and respite care may help caregivers cope with stress of caring for a loved one with dementia.[8]

Dementia also deals a significant blow to people’s financial wellbeing. In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States $345 billion, and this number is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion in 2050.[9]

“Never too Early, Never too Late.”

World Alzheimer’s Month gives a voice to people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers and family.[10] This year’s theme is “Never too early never too late.”[11] The hope is to raise awareness about the importance of identifying risk factors early on and what can be done to mitigate them.[12] Although scientists do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, they believe it could involve age-related changes in the brain, as well as genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.[13] Because a nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mental stimulation have been associated with healthy aging, some scientists believe they might also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.[14]

Econometrica’s Expertise

Econometrica’s experts have worked with Federal agencies, subject matter experts, and stakeholders on projects that support inclusive care for the elderly, falls prevention, prevention of chronic diseases, and Medication therapy management, as well as training to improve the outcomes of care and continuing medical education on topics such as age-friendly health systems and delirium in the elderly. We recognize that older persons are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and we coordinate with agencies and funders to look for ways to support persons with elevated needs.

Resources:

[1] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[2] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[3] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[4] Ibid.
[5] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/never-too-early-never-too-late/
[6] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[7] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[8] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[9] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[10] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/frequently-asked-questions/
[11] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/never-too-early-never-too-late/
[12] Ibid.
[13] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[14] Ibid.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
September Is World Alzheimer’s Month

September Is World Alzheimer’s Month

by | Sep 21, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

World Alzheimers Month

Dementia is one of the most serious health and social care issues of our day. Approximately 50 million people around the world are living with dementia, and more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s.[1] Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults and is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.[2] One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.[3] As the world’s population ages, the serious implications of Alzheimer’s and other dementias on services and health systems will continue to grow. In fact, deaths from Alzheimer’s have more than doubled from 2000 to 2019,[4] and the number of people globally who have dementia is expected to triple by 2050.[5]

The Effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia are not limited to people living with these conditions; the demands of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia can significantly impact one’s physical and emotional wellbeing.[6] In the United States, more than 11 million people provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.[7] A strong support network and respite care may help caregivers cope with stress of caring for a loved one with dementia.[8]

Dementia also deals a significant blow to people’s financial wellbeing. In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States $345 billion, and this number is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion in 2050.[9]

“Never too Early, Never too Late.”

World Alzheimer’s Month gives a voice to people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers and family.[10] This year’s theme is “Never too early never too late.”[11] The hope is to raise awareness about the importance of identifying risk factors early on and what can be done to mitigate them.[12] Although scientists do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, they believe it could involve age-related changes in the brain, as well as genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.[13] Because a nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mental stimulation have been associated with healthy aging, some scientists believe they might also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.[14]

Econometrica’s Expertise

Econometrica’s experts have worked with Federal agencies, subject matter experts, and stakeholders on projects that support inclusive care for the elderly, falls prevention, prevention of chronic diseases, and Medication therapy management, as well as training to improve the outcomes of care and continuing medical education on topics such as age-friendly health systems and delirium in the elderly. We recognize that older persons are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and we coordinate with agencies and funders to look for ways to support persons with elevated needs.

Resources:

[1] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[2] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[3] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[4] Ibid.
[5] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/never-too-early-never-too-late/
[6] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[7] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[8] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[9] https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_about_alzheimers
[10] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/frequently-asked-questions/
[11] https://www.alzint.org/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month/never-too-early-never-too-late/
[12] Ibid.
[13] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
[14] Ibid.

ECONOMETRICA BLOG
Econometrica Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation

Econometrica Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation

by | Aug 3, 2023 | Econometrica Blog

Econometrica's 25th Anniversary

Message From Our President/CEO

“It is hard to believe a quarter century has passed since we founded Econometrica in 1998. Back then, we had simple goals in mind: provide outstanding work for our clients while offering a supportive and friendly workplace where team members could learn and thrive. 

We have evolved over the last 25 years, yet we hold steadfast to those same guiding principles today. Our team has grown to more than 90 employees, representing diversity in culture, age, gender, and expertise. Many of our specialists come from posts in the upper echelons of business, government, and science. Through conscientious account of our services, we are able to pass that knowledge on to our clients. 

We strive to connect with one another in meaningful ways, such as mentorship and training opportunities designed to advance our employees’ technical capabilities. Helping everyone succeed and stay passionate about their work is a cornerstone of our company culture. 

Our clients are part of the Econometrica family, too. Regardless of project size or value, we provide them with meticulous research, creative solutions, and strategic recommendations delivered with personalized and attentive service. 

Econometrica is a dynamic business continuously changing and growing to meet the needs of our clients and employees. I am proud of the company we created together, and I am excited to see what we accomplish in the next 25 years.”

Cyrus Baghelai, President/CEO

Unlocking Insights: Data Analytics Experts Driving Actionable Solutions for Clients

Our methodological experts and programmers collaborate with subject matter experts and researchers across Econometrica to successfully perform a variety of analytical projects. Through these collaborations, we offer dozens of professionals with a variety of quantitative and qualitative skill sets, including statisticians, economists, data scientists, biostatisticians, visual analysts, and programmers. Our team specializes in quantitative design and implementation, sampling, developing innovative statistical and econometric models, and translating technical results into clear findings and actionable reporting. Our data analytics team is dedicated to undertaking a collaborative approach to analytics in all our work, and building high-quality and impactful products by combining the complementary expertise of our technical staff, subject matter experts, partners, and clients.

Empowering Health Solutions: Health Group Experts Leading Policy and Research Innovations

Econometrica’s Health Group consists of public and clinical health researchers, analysts, instructional designers, and economists who provide expertise in training, information diffusion, health research, quality measure development, monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and data analytics. Econometrica is a two-time Measure and Instrument Development and Support (MIDS) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract holder from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and a contractor on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Domain V contract vehicle. With healthcare and related industry trends constantly evolving, Econometrica’s experts use a variety of research and evaluation methods to provide innovative approaches for each client. In recent years, our team has developed tailored technical assistance plans for CMS. We have had more than 250,000 provider impacts based on trainings focused on understanding and complying with the IMPACT Act on the Post-Acute Care Training contracts, and we have had three quality measures endorsed by the National Quality Forum under our Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly contract.

Transforming Communities: Housing and Finance Group’s Expertise in Financial Solutions and Community Development

Key service areas include technical assistance and training, policy and program analysis, statistical surveys and research, market and feasibility analysis, and knowledge management. Our staff and business associates comprise a diverse mix of personnel, including former government employees with decades of experience in housing and community development programs, academic researchers from distinguished universities, and highly skilled housing professionals with hands-on experience in housing management, finance, grants monitoring, and other types of support. We are dedicated to supporting our clients in their diverse missions to expand and improve affordable housing, promote homeownership opportunities, stimulate community transformation, assist with disaster recovery, comply with reporting requirements, and enhance their performance. Since 2011, Econometrica has been providing technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) OneCPD/Community Compass initiative, which has convened a community of technical assistance providers to serve the Office of Public and Indian Housing, Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD), and other HUD programs and customers. Through OneCPD/Community Compass, Econometrica has provided a variety of services, with a focus on housing, community development, economic development, and neighborhood stabilization.

25 Year Anniversary Booklet v5 1 pdf

25 Years of Innovation

ECONOMETRICA BLOG