Exploring Medical Resource Efficiency: A Process Mining Analysis of Hospital Bed, MRI, and CT-Scan Allocation in Healthcare Systems

Healthcare systems play a pivotal role in societal well-being, and understanding their dynamics is crucial. This study addresses the analysis of hospital stays, health investment, and the availability of essential medical resources, including hospital beds, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) units, and CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, in member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Objectives and Questions Statement: The primary objective is to comprehensively examine and assess hospitalization patterns, healthcare financing, and the accessibility of critical medical equipment among OECD nations. Key questions guiding this research include: (I) What are the variations in the length and purpose of hospital stays across OECD countries? (II) How do these countries invest in healthcare, and what are the sources of healthcare funding? (III) What is the availability and distribution of hospital beds, MRI units, and CT scanners in these nations? (IV) Are there discernible trends and patterns in hospital stays, health investments, and medical resource accessibility? The study employs a data-driven approach, utilizing datasets from OECD countries spanning the years 1990–2018. Various metrics related to hospital stays, such as duration and purpose, are analyzed. Additionally, healthcare financing sources and expenditures, as well as the density of hospital beds, MRI units, and CT scanners per capita, are scrutinized to provide a holistic view of health investment and medical resource allocation. Our analysis reveals noteworthy insights into hospital stays, health investment, and medical resource availability across OECD nations. We observe variations in the length and purpose of hospital stays, shedding light on healthcare priorities in different countries. Furthermore, the research underscores the diverse sources of healthcare funding, including government allocations and private sector contributions. Trends over time reveal evolving patterns in both hospital stays, health investments, and medical resource distribution. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and researchers. It provides a comprehensive understanding of health care system dynamics, medical equipment accessibility, and health investment patterns, enabling evidence-based decision-making. By highlighting trends, variations, and resource disparities, it fosters the sharing of best practices among OECD countries, ultimately promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems.