Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

<b>Objective:</b> To synthesize the current evidence base concerning the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review of 13 primary studies. <b>Methods:</b> We consulted databases including Web of...

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Main Authors: Athanasios Mitakos, Panagiotis Mpogiatzidis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2024-10-01
Series:Journal of Market Access & Health Policy
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2001-6689/12/4/24
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author Athanasios Mitakos
Panagiotis Mpogiatzidis
author_facet Athanasios Mitakos
Panagiotis Mpogiatzidis
author_sort Athanasios Mitakos
collection DOAJ
description <b>Objective:</b> To synthesize the current evidence base concerning the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review of 13 primary studies. <b>Methods:</b> We consulted databases including Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, as well as manual search entries up to September 2022. Included studies were primary applications of DEA for assessing healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings derived from thematic analysis of repeating pattern observations were extracted and tabulated for further synthesis, taking into consideration the variations in DMU definitions, the inclusion of undesirable outputs, the influence of external factors, and the infusion of advanced technologies in DEA. <b>Results:</b> The review observed a diverse application of DMUs, ranging from healthcare supply chains to entire national health systems. There was an evident shift towards incorporating undesirable outputs, such as mortality rates, in the DEA models amidst the pandemic. The influence of external and non-discretionary factors became more pronounced in DEA applications, highlighting the interconnected nature of global health challenges. Notably, several studies integrated advanced computational methods, including machine learning, into traditional DEA, paving the way for enhanced analytical capabilities. <b>Conclusions:</b> DEA, as an efficiency analysis tool, has exhibited adaptability and evolution in its application in the context of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. By recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic, DEA applications have grown more comprehensive, integrating broader societal and health outcomes. This review provides pivotal insights that can inform policy and healthcare strategies, underscoring the importance of dynamic and comprehensive efficiency analysis methodologies during global health emergencies.
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spelling doaj-art-d63ea1ac12a1469a93ad41f3b5a819022024-12-27T14:32:43ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Market Access & Health Policy2001-66892024-10-0112430631610.3390/jmahp12040024Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 PandemicAthanasios Mitakos0Panagiotis Mpogiatzidis1Department of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, GreeceDepartment of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece<b>Objective:</b> To synthesize the current evidence base concerning the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review of 13 primary studies. <b>Methods:</b> We consulted databases including Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, as well as manual search entries up to September 2022. Included studies were primary applications of DEA for assessing healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings derived from thematic analysis of repeating pattern observations were extracted and tabulated for further synthesis, taking into consideration the variations in DMU definitions, the inclusion of undesirable outputs, the influence of external factors, and the infusion of advanced technologies in DEA. <b>Results:</b> The review observed a diverse application of DMUs, ranging from healthcare supply chains to entire national health systems. There was an evident shift towards incorporating undesirable outputs, such as mortality rates, in the DEA models amidst the pandemic. The influence of external and non-discretionary factors became more pronounced in DEA applications, highlighting the interconnected nature of global health challenges. Notably, several studies integrated advanced computational methods, including machine learning, into traditional DEA, paving the way for enhanced analytical capabilities. <b>Conclusions:</b> DEA, as an efficiency analysis tool, has exhibited adaptability and evolution in its application in the context of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. By recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic, DEA applications have grown more comprehensive, integrating broader societal and health outcomes. This review provides pivotal insights that can inform policy and healthcare strategies, underscoring the importance of dynamic and comprehensive efficiency analysis methodologies during global health emergencies.https://www.mdpi.com/2001-6689/12/4/24healthcare efficiencyCOVID-19data envelopment analysishealth systemsscoping reviewglobal health challenges
spellingShingle Athanasios Mitakos
Panagiotis Mpogiatzidis
Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal of Market Access & Health Policy
healthcare efficiency
COVID-19
data envelopment analysis
health systems
scoping review
global health challenges
title Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_full Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_fullStr Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_full_unstemmed Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_short Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
title_sort adapting efficiency analysis in health systems a scoping review of data envelopment analysis applications during the covid 19 pandemic
topic healthcare efficiency
COVID-19
data envelopment analysis
health systems
scoping review
global health challenges
url https://www.mdpi.com/2001-6689/12/4/24
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