Improving facility management of public hospitals in Iran using building information modeling

Improving management of complex and congested facilities in hospital buildings is a potential point for both reducing money spent and enhancing quality level of the medical services provided in public hospitals of Iran. Although building information modeling (BIM) is identified as an effective tool for improving facility management (FM), use of advantages it offers to the FM processes of hospitals has been neglected thus far in the country. To address this issue, this research aims to investigate the BIM capabilities and the supporting organizational structure public hospitals in Iran can adopt to improve their FM processes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on applicable capabilities of BIM to the FM processes. Hierarchical FM structure of public hospitals in the country was recognized through review of the related regulations. A public hospital case was chosen for an in-depth recognition of FM processes operations and validation of the proposed BIM-based improvements. It was argued the use of BIM capabilities can cause substantial improvements in the FM processes of the public hospitals. Reduced duration of FM activities, improved facility layouts, enhanced communication and coordination, facilitated training, and improved emergency management are some expected outcomes.