A new approach in DEA with three-parameter interval grey numbers: investigating the effect of the drug-TPA on stroke patients

Purpose Classical data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are traditionally employed for evaluating units with deterministic input and output data. However, in some cases, value of inputs or outputs may be non-deterministic, requiring the definition of a range of values. In such cases, the concept of grey numbers can be applied within the DEA framework to evaluate the efficiency of decision-making units. This paper aims to propose a grey DEA method with three-parameter interval grey numbers to evaluate DMUs efficiency. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the proposed approach utilizes three-parameter interval grey numbers for both inputs and outputs within the classic DEA model. According to the division of three-parameter interval grey numbers, a grey programming of DEA model proposes five cases. This approach enables the computation of the efficiency scores of DMUs as grey intervals characterized by three parameters. Findings To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, an illustrative example is offered, examining the impact of the drug Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) on stroke patients at the time of hospital discharge. Originality/value The proposed grey DEA method with three-parameter interval grey numbers offers improved reliability for decision-makers in non-deterministic environments.