Evaluation of the Efficiency of Primary Medical Centres. Application of an Involved Data Analysis

Abstract

Background: One of the major difficulties in evaluating the efficiency of Primary Medica1 Centres is that of integrating quantitative and qualitative data. Methods: This study applies the Involved Data Analysis (DEA) for the purpose of evaluating the efficiency of Primary Medial Centres located in the Province of Zaragoza (Spain). DEA is a lineal programming technique that provides information on the relative efficiency of each unit, as compared to all other units. Output such as doctors and nursing services as well as variables relating to the quality of service, and input (personnel and pharmaceutical expenses) referring to 1994, were obtained from Area Management. Results: Without taking qualitative variables into account, only 13 Primary Medical Centres reached maximum eflkiency level 1, with a range of 0.53 to 1. Taking quality variables into account, 24 units reached optimum efftciency, with a mnge of 0.61 to 1. Conclusions: DEA is a useful tool for both qualitative and quantitative overa11 evaluation of input and output and identifies units that are inefficient as compared to others. Despite the difficulties involved, the method appears to be beneficial for management as a complementary aid to currently used techniques.