AHP Model for Identifying Best Health Care Establishment

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model utilizing components, parameters, and factors of a specifically designed Integrated Quality Model for Health Care Establishment (HCE). In doing so, the authors have utilized AHP approach to identify the best health care service quality performer among alternatives of HCEs. To select the best HCE, three HCEs of North India namely: HCE-A; HCE-B; and HCE-C were chosen. The criteria components of the integrated quality model for the HCE designed and suggested by and were adopted. Further, this study has undertaken an extensive in-depth literature review about AHP and its applications for HCEs from various aspects. A specifically developed integrated quality model for HCE with its components parameters, factors thereof, duly coded as criteria and sub-criteria have been utilized. It thus, facilitates the development of an AHP model to rank the chosen HCEs helping to identify potentially the best HCE among them. On the basis of the proposed hierarchical model, the findings suggest that the HCE-A may be selected first followed by HCE-C and HCE-B based on overall rating. The study provides a mechanism through AHP model to select potentially best HCE utilizing specifically developed integrated quality model for HCE with impacts both for the clients and the patients to enjoy the service of best HCE as well as for the managers to improve the services of HCE and the business. The study thus, adds a new perspective by developing a selection process to select the best HCE through an AHP model utilizing criteria and sub-criteria of an integrated quality model specifically developed for HCE. It has practical value for maintaining service quality of HCE to benefit the clients and related stakeholders as well as the managers by improving quality, enhancing reputation and business thereof.