Areas of Investigation and Services

Program evaluation

Assessing the effectiveness of program initiatives.

Our researchers are skilled in designing and assessing demonstrations and experiments, and evaluating ongoing programs. We conduct both formative evaluations of initiatives still in the pilot or early implementation stage, to provide rapid feedback for improving the program, and summative evaluations that assess the performance and effects of mature programs.

Performance metrics

Tracking program performance

CNA analysts develop and use performance metrics to reflect the status of programs in terms of what is being done and how well it is being done. By measuring and benchmarking current performance, we can potentially achieve better results through investment, training, and process improvement. Through the development and tracking of performance metrics, we assist health care policy-makers and organizations in supporting internal process improvement and externally accounting to the public and other interested stakeholders.

Qualitative analysis

Exploring people's motivations, behavior, wants, and needs through in-depth interviews, onsite observation, focus groups, and case studies

Understanding individuals' views, their decision-making processes, and the factors that motivate their behaviors typically involves collecting and analyzing qualitative data. Our researchers use a variety of methods to collect qualitative data, including in-depth interviews, onsite observation, focus groups, and case studies. Through categorization, coding, and the use of taxonomies, CNA professionals identify themes and patterns. We find qualitative research ideally suited to answering questions about how a program operates and how it affects people; to showing how people think about a problem; and to augmenting quantitative data analysis by investigating why certain outcomes were found.

Statistical and econometric analysis

Providing rigorous estimates of the effects of policies, programs, interventions, and other actions of interest

By applying statistical and econometric analysis, our researchers can estimate the impact that a change has had on system performance and outcomes, as well as forecast the likely effects of future changes. These estimates provide a sound basis for assessing program performance and can be used to refine or develop programs in the future.

Database design and development

Designing, developing, and maintaining research databases to turn data into useful information

CNA's Health Research & Policy team has extensive has extensive experience developing databases from voluminous administrative data and linking across data sets to support analysis. We have developed research databases that integrate inpatient and outpatient medical claims and encounters, prescription drug experience, enrollment and eligibility information, productivity, and staffing data. Additionally, we have linked administrative data to other sources of information such as survey data and site information.

Cost-benefit analysis

Studying the costs, cost-effectiveness, and benefits of health interventions, treatments, and investments, and their impact on individuals and potentially the broader society

CNA researchers use cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis (in which cost or benefit is held constant) to identify and quantify the gains and losses in social welfare from investment projects, to help policy-makers decide whether such projects are worth the money and effort.

Survey design and analyses

Offering a range of survey services, including instrument development, data collection, and analysis

We are experienced in designing customized surveys that deliver high-quality data. Our survey services include study design, instrument development and evaluation, pretests, and mail, telephone, and web-based survey implementation.

Selected Clients

  • Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  • District of Columbia Department of Health
  • State of Colorado
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery