Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Evaluate Health Regions Efficiency in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Efficient healthcare systems must provide quality care, ensuring equitable access and sustaining financial viability. This study employs Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of healthcare regions in Saudi Arabia over a five-year period (2017-2021). Departing from traditional hospital-centric assessments, the study takes a regional approach, offering a holistic view of the entire healthcare system. Inputs such as number of beds, physicians, and nurses, along with outputs like outpatients and inpatients, were considered. The study not only provides efficiency scores but also identifies reference health regions, benchmarks, and tangible targets for improvement. Notably, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare efficiency is analyzed, providing insights into adaptive strategies during crises. The findings contribute to the understanding of regional healthcare dynamics, offering actionable insights for policymakers, facilitating evidence-based resource allocation, and informing strategies for continuous improvement. Future research directions include a global benchmarking analysis and a qualitative exploration of policy implications. This study bridges the gap between academic research and practical policy considerations, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in healthcare systems.