This research measures efficiency in Irish public acute hospitals using an efficiency frontier model. Results show significant cost, technical, and allocative inefficiencies, indicating billions in potential savings. Even a 1% improvement in efficiency could save €70 million annually while maintaining patient care levels.

This PhD developed a remote postoperative wound-monitoring pathway to replace dangerous, costly hospital journeys for patients in low-resource settings. Using a culturally adaptable questionnaire and phone/video follow-up, the method proved feasible, reliable, accurate, economical, and scalable. It could save the NHS £500 million annually while improving global surgical safety.