Inefficiencies in Health Care Provision
Title
Inefficiencies in Health Care Provision
Author
Burgess, James F.
Hockenberry, Jason M.
Allen, Lindsay
Research Area
Social Institutions
Topic
Health Care Institutions
Abstract
This essay seeks to elucidate salient issues on the topic of inefficiency in the provision of health care. We begin with a discussion on the definition of efficiency, and the particular forms it can take in health care. From there, we define a useful framework for thinking about ways in which efficiency in the health care system can be improved. We describe cutting edge research being conducted in the field, and the major challenges to furthering the research agenda in this area, not the least of which is the unique nature of health care itself. We conclude with a discussion about key issues for future research, including the importance of incorporating multidisciplinary perspectives into this research.