An assessment of diagnostic efficiency by Taguchi/DEA methods

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to propose a new, objective and consistent method for the calculation of the diagnostic efficiency in medical applications. Design/methodology/approach - In this study, a hybrid method of Taguchi and DEA is proposed. This method reflects the diversity of inputs and outputs by incorporating the stepwise application of sensitivity, specificity, leveling threshold, and efficiency score. A hypothetical case study is given which involves eight readers of X-ray films in clinical radiology. Findings - The selected pairs of sensitivity and specificity yielded two efficient readers. After super efficiency analysis, Reader 6 is found to be the most efficient reader. Originality/value - The paper presents a new, objective and consistent method for the calculation of the diagnostic efficiency in medical applications.