TITLE:
Breast Cancer Screening: A Stochastic DEA Study
AUTHORS:
Maria Elena Bruni
KEYWORDS:
Stochastic D.E.A.; OR in Health Care; Screening
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Operations Research,
Vol.3 No.6,
October
31,
2013
ABSTRACT: The goal of screening tests for breast cancer is early detection and
treatment with a consequent reduction in mortality caused by the disease.
Screening tests, however, might produce misleading diagnoses and potentially
significant emotional, financial and health costs. The effectiveness of a breast
screening program has effects on the quality of life of the target population.
Even if the screening units regularly attain coverage targets, it remains
essential to ensure that women receive the same high standard of service
wherever they live. In order to assess the relative efficiency of individual
screening units we use stochastic D.E.A. models, which can be used as reliable
tools for external audit. The technique is tested on breast cancer screening
data of two Italian regions.