EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF METHODOLOGIES AND SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic review on efficiency in public health management, analyzing studies published between 2005 and 2024. The objective was to identify the main methodologies employed, the variables investigated, and the impacts on socioeconomic development and health indicators. The research followed the PRISMA guidelines and used search strategies in national and international academic databases, resulting in a total of 959 articles identified. After applying the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 171 articles were selected for detailed screening, culminating in 80 studies included in the in-depth analysis. The results show that Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was the most used methodology, being used in 40% of the studies to evaluate the technical efficiency of health services. Tobit and multiple regressions have also been widely used to explore the relationship between efficiency and socioeconomic factors such as GDP per capita and HDI. In addition, longitudinal approaches based on panel data allowed the identification of trends and impacts of the policies implemented over time. Despite the predominance of quantitative methodologies, the review revealed the need for greater integration between quantitative and qualitative analyses, considering the Brazilian socioeconomic specificities. Efficiency in health management is essential to optimize the allocation of resources and ensure equitable and sustainable services. The findings reinforce the relevance of health economics and the use of robust analytical tools to support decisions and improve public policies.