Efficiency measurement of hemodialysis units in Greece with data envelopment analysis

This paper reports on a study of the suitability of data envelopment analysis for measuring efficiency of hemodialysis units in Greece. The sample consists of 118 such units operating in the public and private sector. Production characteristics were designated in terms of two input measures--nursing staff and dialysis machines--and one output measure, namely the number of patients treated per month. The DEA model selected was input oriented, allowed for variable returns to scale and the units were ranked according to a benchmarking approach. The results yielded mean efficiency scores of 65.04% and 82.21% for the public sector and private sector units, respectively. Independent sample t-tests showed statistically significant differences between these scores. The units were also classified, according to location, as either being in Athens, Thessalonica or another region and the procedure was repeated. The results yielded mean efficiency scores of 58.89%, 61.48% and 67.51%, respectively. Comparison, in this case, indicated significant differences between the public sector units located Athens from those located in Thessalonica or elsewhere. The overall findings are encouraging for the potential of DEA in this setting and generate the need for further research in order to validate any conclusions.