Structuring data needs for effective integration of building information modeling (BIM) with healthcare facilities management

A Healthcare facility is an architectural and construction challenge guided by design considerations that ultimately affect the facilities operations and maintenance. Owners of healthcare facilities are becoming aware that Building Information Modeling (BIM) is indispensable for a value-added cost-effective delivery of their complex projects. This vision of integrating BIM functionalities with Facilities Management (FM) is based on the hypotheses that an accurate information model of the facility exists. However, in most cases there is either too much or too less information available. The question is-'what is the appropriate information that a Facility Manager needs for execution of work and how can they get it at the perfect decision moment'. In response to this question, this research aims to develop a framework process for data collection that supports a healthcare FMs information needs. The structure of data needs can then serve as a basis of communicating the objectives of the FM-Owner to the rest of the team, ensuring an accurate flow of information from programming till commissioning. Appropriate and accurate data handover can ultimately result in a successful integration of BIM with FM.