EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: AN APPLICATION OF DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

In this paper we have tried to evaluate the usefulness of the DEA model as a management tool when applied to the measurement of the efficiency of health centres. We have chosen the DEA model because it does not need prior specifications. This could be very useful when we lack data on costs. The overall evaluation of a number of health centres provides information on the distinctive features and comparative advantages of the most efficient ones. The information gathered could also be of great use in the selection of those centres in which operational audits should be carried out.