Efficiency of health resource allocation in China: data envelopment and stochastic frontier analysis

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of health resource allocation in China and to provide a basis for health care management.Methods Data on health resource allocation in China during 2004 to 2013 were collected and technical and cost efficiency of the allocation were analyzed using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA).Results During the 10-year period,the technical efficiency of health resource allocation in China increased and return to scale status was stable;the average technical efficiency value was 0.997 and the technology efficiency rate was 50%.The cost efficiency in China varied greatly during the period,with an average cost efficiency value of 0.690.There are four independent variables influencing total health care cost reversely,including the numbers of health personnel,outpatient clinic visit,hospital admission,and the average days of hospitalization.Conclusion Relevant government agencies should pay attention to efficiency estimation for reasonable health resource allocation.