Análisis de la eficiencia técnica hospitalaria 2011 / Analysis of hospital technical efficiency during 2011

ABSTRACT

Background: Efficiency in the use ofresources in health systems and hospitals has been a matter ofinterestfor administrators as well asforpolicy makers. The growing costs due to higher levéis of demand from the population require a better use and allocation ofsuch costs. Aim: To assess the technical efficiency in 28 hospitals in Chile, considering the period from May to October, 2011. Material and Methods: The average number ofavailable beds, the number ofstaffand the expenses on consumer and service goods were used as production inputs and, on the other hand, the expenditures adjusted by the Diagnosis-Related Groups (IR-DRG) were used as producís. To assess the technical efficiency, the Data Envelopment Analysis technique was used. Results: The levéis of inefficiency fluctuóte from 20 to 23.3%. In other words, with a 20% increase in hospital discharges and maintainingfixed inputs, hospitals could become efficient. Conclusions: The incorporation of methodologies to determine efficiency allows gathering new knowledge for people who manage resources as well asforpolicy makers by optimizing practices and having better allocation criteria.