Dynamic Analysis of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospitals in Hubei Province from 2013 to 2019

Abstract

Objectives: To study the changes of TFP in TCM hospitals in Hubei Province from 2013 to 2019, so as to provide policy basis for improving service efficiency and promoting the development of TCM. Methods: The statistical reports of 90 public TCM hospitals in Hubei Province from 2013 to 2019 were collected using the Hubei Provincial Comprehensive Statistical Information System for TCM, and the TFP of TCM hospitals were dynamically analysed using the DEA-Malmquist index method. Results: From 2013 to 2019, the Total Factor Productivity Change (TFPCH) index of TCM Hospitals in Hubei Province increased by 0.8%; the Efficiency Change (EFFCH) index increased by 0.5%; the Technical Change (TECH) index increased by 0.3%; the Pure Efficiency Change (PECH) index increased by 0.2% and the Scale Efficiency Change (SECH) index increased by 0.4%. The mean values of the TFPCH index in the eastern, central, and western regions of Hubei Province were 1.001, 1.011, and 1.013, respectively, and the mean values of that in the secondary and tertiary hospitals were 1.004 and 1.024, respectively. Conclusions: The TFP of TCM hospitals in Hubei Province tends to improve on the whole. There are differences in the TFPCH index of TCM hospitals in different regions and levels. The stage development characteristics of core cities play a leading role and are worth learning.