Productivity Modelling: A Health Systems Focus in Small Island Developing States

Abstract

This paper explores the various dimensions of measuring productivity in health systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The authors seek to unearth the difficulties which arise when measuring the productivity in these systems, identifying the various forms of productivity which are applicable to health systems and determining the best means of measuring productivity in these health systems. The findings show that the development of partial productivity measures is difficult, but it is best for decision making and improvement of performance of the health systems. The paper concludes by proposing the use of a composite measure, Ci = α1 Pi1 + α2 Pi2 +…. + Σi αj Pij which is based on the partial productivity measures as a more robust measure of productivity in the health systems in SIDS. The overall productivity of elements of the health system, or the entre health system itself, can be measured, monitored and disaggregated for identifying areas for productivity improvement through management intervention.