TITLE:
Economic efficiency of radiology wards using data envelopment analysis: Case study of Iran
AUTHORS:
Ali Keshtkaran, Mohsen Barouni, Ramin Ravangard, Mohammad Yandrani
KEYWORDS:
Economic Efficiency; Allocative Efficiency; Technical Efficiency; Data Envelopment Analysis; Radiology Wards
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.6 No.5,
February
21,
2014
ABSTRACT:
Background: In evaluating the
activities and performance of
radiology units, the main aim of applying feasible scientific methods is to use
technological and human resources optimally. One of the suitable scientific
methods in this field is determining the technical, economic, and allocative
efficacy of these centers. We aimed to assess
the economic efficiency of radiology units of hospitals affiliated to
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, southern Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, the
technical, economical, and allocative efficiency of 27 radiology units of
public hospitals was assessed using data envelopment analysis. The input
oriented envelopment form with the assumption of the varied outputs with
respect to the scale was used. Related forms were filled using the existing
information in the archives of radiology centers. Input variables in this study
were the number of radiology devices, the number of expert personnel, the number of technicians, equipment
maintenance and depreciation costs, and the salaries of the experts and technician.
Output variables included the number of admitted patients and the number of photographic
film. Then, data were analyzed using the DEAP software for
calculating the various forms of efficiency. Results: The mean scores
of economic, technical, and allocative efficiencies of radiology units were
0.749, 0.880, and 0.852, respectively. The final score of economical efficiency was lower than
the technical and allocative efficiency
scores. Only 15% of radiology units were economically efficient. Conclusion: Economical efficiency can
be attained when resources are used in the best possible way and not wasted.
Therefore, a combination of inputs that comprise the lowest costs should be
selected.