efficiency

ef·fi·cien·cy (-fshn-s)

n.

1. The production of the desired effects or results with minimum waste of time, effort, or skill.

2. A measure of effectiveness; specifically, the useful work output divided by the energy input in any system.

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efficiency,

n the operation of a dental practice in such a way that both business and professional services are performed in a minimal amount of time without sacrificing quality of work, sympathetic attitude, and kindliness.

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efficiency

1. in clinical practice equals the effect achieved in relation to the expenditure and effort expended.

2. in physiological terms, efficiency of any organ or tissue is equal to the ratio of useful energy produced to total energy expended.

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efficiency Lab medicine The relative ability of a test to detect a disease, while maintaining the rate of false positive results to a minimum; the efficiency of a test is defined as the number of true positives and true negatives multiplied by one hundred, divided by the sum of true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives. Cf Four cell diagnostic matrix.