FROM PAPER TO PLATFORMS: REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS IN HOSPITAL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Mbongiseni Gcaba and Nishani Harinarain
Published: Journal of Construction, Volume 17, Issue 04
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64755/UHZI6767
Keywords: Asset Management, Facilities Management, Public Hospitals, Operations and Maintenance, Public Infrastructure.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE
South Africa is preparing for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) to enhance universal health coverage. A key pillar for the NHI’s success is the efficient operation and maintenance (O&M) of hospital infrastructure. However, many hospitals lack the reliable and accessible asset information necessary for effective O&M. This study investigates the use of digital technologies to enhance the O&M of public health hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH
A qualitative research methodology was adopted to comprehensively understand the phenomenon by exploring participants’ experiences and perspectives. Nine respondents were purposively selected, consisting of Chief Executive Officers, Facilities and Maintenance Managers, and Quantity Surveyors with over five years of O&M experience in hospital or related infrastructure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using MS Teams and WhatsApp Video, and the data was thematically analysed. The qualitative approach was chosen to capture the depth and complexity of the respondents’ insights regarding integrating digital technologies in resource-constrained environments.
FINDINGS
The study revealed that implementing digital technologies could significantly reduce reliance on compensation budgets by automating processes and providing real-time data on critical hospital infrastructure components. These technologies were found to enhance O&M planning, optimise maintenance cost estimation, and align budgeting processes with actual O&M requirements. Notably, integrating such technologies will improve inventory management and performance measurement, directly impacting the operational efficiency of hospital services.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS
This study is geographically limited to public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which may restrict the generalisability of the findings to other regions with different healthcare contexts and resource constraints.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
To realise the benefits of these digital technologies, budget allocation for their implementation must be prioritised over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Adopting these technologies could improve patient outcomes by minimising downtime, enhancing service reliability, and optimising resource use in hospital settings.
VALUE
By focusing on the specific challenges faced by public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, the research provides unique insights into the potential of digital solutions to transform O&M practices and improve healthcare delivery in similar environments.
