Health System Efficiency in European Countries: Network Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

Purpose: The article's main aim is to investigate the effectiveness of health systems in European countries based on EUROSTAT data. A comparative analysis systems' different their improvement (reform), using best practices approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: network DEA model and a slack-based (NDEA – SBM) are used. non-oriented research sample covers 30 (28 EU plus Norway Island). system considers two factors: lifestyle (LF) primary medical care resources (MC). Lifestyle factors included, alcohol consumption, smoking, being overweight. personnel, hospital beds, finances. subjective assessment status healthy life expectancy taken as direct outputs. As an intermediate product (link), expenditure prevention assumed percentage GDP. Findings: Health five identified fully efficient. These have also achieved total efficiency for both divisions, care. average all low amounts 0.619, LF division 0.580, with huge variations between countries. In MC division, 0.72. However, difference more minor. For inefficient countries, projection necessary changes achieve has been calculated. Practical Implications: allows better understanding functioning complex by analyzing separate areas (lifestyle care). values forecasted variables determined, inputs, outputs, linking variable that may help determine priority actions field improving systems. Originality/value: This paper contributes literature applying assess It enables simultaneous various related health. Few publications attempted use area protection.