IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2016-17 | Page 18

Darius Kirstein
Director of Financial Policy & Analysis
LeadingAge New York
Statistical Basics for the Math Averse
1
How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?
Many people have an aversion to statistics. Or even numbers. While there are many statistically astute staff members at LeadingAge
New York and in our member organizations, a good number shy away. I have observed this during interactions with LeadingAge
members as well as association colleagues. At the same time, initiatives to make healthcare more data-oriented, to measure and
compare, are flying at the field from all directions. Some, such as quality measures, have high stakes and can impact reimbursement,
partnering opportunities and consumer opinion.
I would like to develop a series of 90 second informational and hopefully entertaining animated videos that would review basic
statistical concepts most relevant to long term care providers. They would reside on an open platform like YouTube and be
accompanied by written cheat sheets for those who like that kind of thing. It would be available to both LeadingAge staff and member
organizations. For those unfamiliar or averse to numbers, it will offer a primer couched in relevant terms and hopefully serve to lessen
numerical anxiety thereby increase their own quality of life. For those for whom the college statistics course has become fuzzy, it will
offer a reminder for the taking. Those working to help others understand these concepts will have another resource to use. If the tools
lead to even a slightly increased understanding of the many initiatives that rely on data in healthcare, there could be an improvement in
care quality, performance and/or financial stability.
2
How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?
The relationships that I have developed with Leadership Academy colleagues, specifically the discussions of readings and other activities,
has help