Dynamic Performance Assessment of Hospitals by Applying Credibility-Based Fuzzy Window Data Envelopment Analysis

Abstract

The goal of the current research is to propose the credibility-based fuzzy window data envelopment analysis (CFWDEA) approach as a novel method for the dynamic performance evaluation of hospitals during different periods under data ambiguity and linguistic variables. To reach this goal, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, a window analysis technique, a possibilistic programming approach, credibility theory, and chance-constrained programming (CCP) are employed. In addition, the applicability and efficacy of the proposed CFWDEA approach are illustrated utilizing a real data set to evaluate the performance of hospitals in the USA. It should be explained that three inputs including the number of beds, labor-related expenses, patient care supplies, and other expenses as well as three outputs including the number of outpatient department visits, the number of inpatient department admissions, and overall patient satisfaction level, are considered for the dynamic performance appraisal of hospitals. The experimental results show the usefulness of the CFWDEA method for the evaluation and ranking of hospitals in the presence of fuzzy data, linguistic variables, and epistemic uncertainty.

Keywords: credibility theory; data envelopment analysis; fuzzy optimization; hospital performance assessment; linguistic variables; window analysis.

Figure 1

The graphical presentation of DEA approach for performance evaluation of DMUs.

Figure 2

The schematic summary of all steps in the proposed CFWDEA approach.

Figure 3

The presentation of homogeneous decision-making units in DEA method.

Figure 4

The representation of triangular (A) and trapezoidal (B) fuzzy numbers.

Figure 5

The inputs and outputs of CFWDEA model for health care case study.

Figure 6

The total average CFWDEA results of hospitals.