AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS: DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS BASED ON DATA AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL

This study evaluates the technical efficiency of public hospitals in Turkey using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) at the provincial level and identifies the factors affecting efficiency scores. Efficiency scores were calculated for 81 provinces, and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to examine the influence of healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery indicators on technical efficiency. The findings reveal that while a higher bed density (beds per 10,000 population) positively impacts efficiency, an excessive number of intensive care beds and qualified hospital beds have a detrimental effect on efficiency. This province-based and comprehensive study takes into account the structural differences among regions in Turkey and employs k-means clustering analysis to classify provinces according to their efficiency patterns. Furthermore, by identifying key determinants through regression analysis, the study provides concrete intervention areas for policymakers and healthcare administrators. Thus, this research offers a data-driven and management-oriented evaluation of hospital efficiency specifically within the Turkish healthcare system and delivers original findings that can support regional planning, resource allocation, and service optimization strategies for those working in the field of health management. The results emphasize the critical need to reinforce an efficiency-oriented perspective in healthcare service delivery through infrastructure optimization and effective resource utilization.