Evaluation of the scientific research efficiency of 100 tertiary hospitals and the influencing factors analysis based on Bootstrap DEA-OLS model

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the scientific research efficiency of tertiary hospitals and analyze the influencing factors, providing reference for the decision-making of scientific research managers in China. Methods Evaluation indicators were collected from 100 tertiary hospitals in China, and their research efficiency was evaluated using Bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. The influencing factors were analyzed using ordinary least square (OLS) regression model. Results The averaged scientific research efficiency of these hospitals using Bootstrap DEA method was 0.522 4, lower than that using conventional DEA method (0.067 6), yet with a great variation (from 0.110 3 to 0.879 0) among them. Linear regression analysis showed that factors such as R&D input and output, and hospital types has statistical significance on the saentific research efficiency (P<0.05). Conclusions These hospitals are inefficient in scientific research with sizable room for improvement. Conventional DEA method should be used with caution, as deviations should be corrected with Bootstrap DEA method. The research development level and hospital types of their province can influence the research efficiency the hospitals significantly. Key words: Scientific research efficiency; Efficiency evaluation; Bootstrap-DEA method; OLS regression model