Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index Application: Efficiency of Hospitals Networks in Morocco

Abstract

The purpose of this conference on healthcare efficiency is to estimate the relative efficiency of hospitals using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The authors developed a set of efficiency indicators for hospitals based on their three main functions: quality of care, commitment of health personnel, and level of hospital infrastructure. Using hypothetical data from 77 hospital networks (local, provincial, and regional) in Morocco, the authors identified the inputs and outputs that have an impact on the supply of hospital care. The DEA revealed interesting results regarding efficient and inefficient hospital networks and provided recommendations on how to improve the inefficient ones. Additionally, the DEA was found to be better than traditional accounting methods for evaluating performance. The results indicate that technical efficiency is generally low, and the authors offered recommendations for improving efficiency through strategies that focus on patients, transparency, and accountability.