Case Analysis to Identify Information Links between Facility Management and Healthcare Delivery Information in a Hospital Setting

Abstract

Effective facility management is a critical aspect of ensuring an adequate physical environment to administer care. Maintaining the environment is complicated with numerous critical systems because of occupants with compromised immune systems, and the need to maintain the systems with minimal effect on clinical operations. The complexity and importance of tasks that facility managers deal with require them to have adequate, up-to-date, and easily accessible information. This paper presents a case study that analyzes the impact of facility management on healthcare delivery. The work was completed in the preliminary stages of a research initiative for developing a lifecycle information management system to support facility management within healthcare. A case concerning mechanical systems and critical failures in a healthcare setting is analyzed to identify the types of information needed to adequately perform maintenance tasks. The information is then analyzed for origin along the lifecycle of the facility, its format, and suitable granularity. The aim of the discussed research is to support the development of a healthcare facility information management framework and product model. The product model and framework will aid in the efficient and effective management of facility and clinical information to support facility management activities in healthcare environments.