Measuring Efficiency of Knowledge Production in Health Research Centers Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): A Case Study in Iran
Journal Title: Electronic Physician - Year 2016, Vol 8, Issue 11
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Efficiency analysis is necessary in order to avoid waste of materials, energy, effort, money, and time during scientific research. Therefore, analyzing efficiency of knowledge production in health areas is necessary, especially for developing and in-transition countries. As the first step in this field, the aim of this study was the analysis of selected health research center efficiency using data envelopment analysis (DEA). METHODS: This retrospective and applied study was conducted in 2015 using input and output data of 16 health research centers affiliated with a health sciences university in Iran during 2010-2014. The technical efficiency of health research centers was evaluated based on three basic data envelopment analysis (DEA) models: input-oriented, output-oriented, and hyperbolic-oriented. The input and output data of each health research center for years 2010-2014 were collected from the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHE) profile and analyzed by R software. RESULTS: The mean efficiency score in input-oriented, output-oriented, and hyperbolic-oriented models was 0.781, 0.671, and 0.798, respectively. Based on results of the study, half of the health research centers are operating below full efficiency, and about one-third of them are operating under the average efficiency level. There is also a large gap between health research center efficiency relative to each other. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for health research centers to improve their efficiency in knowledge production through better management of available resources. The higher level of efficiency in a significant number of health research centers is achievable through more efficient management of human resources and capital. Further research is needed to measure and follow the efficiency of knowledge production by health research centers around the world and over a period of time
Authors and Affiliations
Amiri MM, Nasiri T, Saadat SH, Anabad HA, Ardakan PM
Prevalence and Characteristics of Basal Core Promoter Mutations in Iran and its Correlation with Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
INTRODUCTION: Manifestations of HBV infection differ in chronic and acute phases. Therefore, identifying the determinants such as mutations has a vital role in the treatment of the disease. A dual transversion in the bas...
Knowledge and Awareness about H1N1 Flu in Urban Adult Population of Vadodara, India
Objective: To investigate the knowledge and awareness about H1N1 flu in urban population of 18 years and above of Vadodara, India. Methods: A pre-designed self-rated instrument survey was conducted among 100 adults of...
Quality of bedside teaching in internal wards of Qaem and Imam Reza hospitals in Mashhad.
Bedside teaching is a patient-based teaching method in medical education. The present study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the quality of bedside teaching in the internal wards of Qaem and Imam Reza Edu...
Determinant of successful implementation of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) system from physicians’ perspective: Feasibility study prior to implementation
BACKGROUND: Health information technology is a solution for medical error reduction through the implementation of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine physicians' a...
Enclosed in the synergistic rings of suffering: The experience of conscious patients under mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit of the causes of suffering
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care units are in a special position of suffering, and discovering their experiences in the painful situations of the intensive care unit can contribute...