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Integrating DEA into Six Sigma methodology for measuring health service efficiency

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Listed:
  • Q Feng

    (University of Houston)

  • J Antony

    (University of Strathclyde)

Abstract

As a linear programming technique that is used to assess performance efficiency among organizational units, data envelopment analysis (DEA) has the practical value for planners to identify the most efficient units and thus project a best possible course of actions. This is also the fundamental goal of Six Sigma methodology for process improvement. Therefore, it is natural to integrate the DEA method into the framework of Six Sigma to enhance both the usefulness of Six Sigma and the effectiveness of DEA for assessing and improving health service efficiency. In this paper, the implementation of DEA is well incorporated into the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control process. The procedure can be well fitted into the Blackbelts training curriculum, which can also serve as a roadmap for Six Sigma practitioners to implement the DEA-enhanced projects. To illustrate how to integrate DEA into the Six Sigma framework, we present a Six Sigma project implemented to measure physician productivity in a clinical department.

Suggested Citation

  • Q Feng & J Antony, 2010. "Integrating DEA into Six Sigma methodology for measuring health service efficiency," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(7), pages 1112-1121, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:61:y:2010:i:7:d:10.1057_jors.2009.61
    DOI: 10.1057/jors.2009.61
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charnes, A. & Cooper, W. W. & Rhodes, E., 1978. "Measuring the efficiency of decision making units," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 2(6), pages 429-444, November.
    2. Simar, Leopold & Wilson, Paul W., 2007. "Estimation and inference in two-stage, semi-parametric models of production processes," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 136(1), pages 31-64, January.
    3. Jacobs,Rowena & Smith,Peter C. & Street,Andrew, 2006. "Measuring Efficiency in Health Care," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521851442, October.
    4. Jon Chilingerian & H. David Sherman, 1997. "DEA and primary care physician report cards: Deriving preferred practice cones from managed care service concepts and operating strategies," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 73(0), pages 35-66, October.
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    Cited by:

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