Cost function Estimation of Mass Influenza Vaccination Clinics - Theoretical Frameworks and Challenges
- Presenter:
Chair: Noelle-Angelique M. Molinari; Discussant: Michael Washington Mon June 5, 2006 15:30-17:00 Room 325
Abstract: From the perspective of vaccination providers, cost function estimation can provide useful information of the cost impact of output changes as well as input prices. Yet, a conventional cost function does not consider undesirable outputs such as long patient waiting times. In this study, the theoretical background and statistical properties of two empirical models using scaling and translating methods will be addressed and compared to those of the conventional cost function. The immediate advantage of such an approach is that both models preserve the conventional properties of the cost function such as homogeneity, convexity in output and input prices while including the impact of an undesirable output. Simulation results will illustrate the advantages and challenges of the proposed models.
