What does the term efficiency refer to in outcome achievement?

The term efficiency in outcome achievement primarily refers to minimizing wasted resources. This concept emphasizes the optimal use of available resources—including time, money, and materials—to achieve desired outcomes effectively. In a healthcare context, for example, efficiency would mean reducing unnecessary expenditures and improving processes to ensure that resources are allocated wisely while still achieving high-quality patient care.

By focusing on minimizing wasted resources, healthcare organizations can improve their productivity, reduce operational costs, and enhance their overall service delivery. This principle is crucial as it enables organizations to deliver more value to patients without incurring additional costs or compromising quality. Therefore, emphasizing efficiency aligns with the overarching goal of providing high-quality outcomes in a cost-effective manner.