Post COVID-19: Facility Management’s Role in Healthcare

Importance of Facility Management in the Healthcare industry in the Post COVID-19 world

Healthcare providers across the world are striving to create safer healthcare environments and respond to an increase in demand in the post COVID-19 world. Healthcare providers are trying to deliver optimal treatment in the face of unprecedented challenges due to the Pandemic. The ability of providers to adjust to the new norm, deal with a specific set of requirements, and seize the opportunities will help determine their future success. The tremendous pressure on healthcare providers can be minimised with effective facilities management services allowing them to put the patient first and focus on their primary objective of providing the highest level of patient care. 

The importance of facilities management (FM) in the Post COVID-19 world can be outlined as follows:

Create Environments which enable Optimal Patient Experience  

The main objective of all healthcare providers is to put the patient first and create a safe and efficient working environment for all to deliver the optimal level of care. FM teams are responsible for all aspects of business continuity and always keeping the facility fully functioning and operational. This includes conducting routine inspections to identify and resolve any areas of concern, such as:

• Cleanliness & hygiene 
• Infection prevention and control 
• Building support systems and back-up 
• Water quality management
• Air quality management

FM teams will regularly collaborate with hospital administration & clinical staff to develop the best FM strategies and policies to protect patients, visitors, and employees.

FM Strategy

FMThe FM team will be responsible for creating an FM Strategy which outlines the key elements of FM which are required to be considered and applied to the entire facility and meet with all regulatory requirements and licence to operate. 

The main objective of the FM Strategy is to ensure that the daily operations of the healthcare facility run as required to enable the optimal level of care for all patients and a quality working environment which provides cost effective, operational and performance life cycle efficiencies for the facility owner.  

Building Systems Operation and Maintenance

FM teams are responsible for operating and conducting planned and reactive maintenance to all building systems in line with internationally recognised standards to ensure that they are fully optimised and are performing at their best. This will result in:

• Less equipment downtime
• Improved quality, safety, and business continuity  
• Increased efficiency 
• Extended equipment life
• Reduced energy consumption 
• Reduced life cycle costs

FM Prevent the Risk of Infection

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach which prevents patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infection and because of antimicrobial resistance. No one should catch an infection while receiving care, yet without proper processes and measures these infections can spread as has been seen with the recent COVID-19 Pandemic. 

The new norm has meant an increase in the frequency of disinfection and new techniques such as no touch disinfection (fogging) being introduced. The FM team have a critical role to play to ensure that the correct IPC measures are implemented throughout any healthcare facility. 

Summary
While many healthcare providers strive for a quick return to "normal," providers must confront the harsh truth that the previous normal may never return. Therefore, the reliance and importance on effective FM Strategy and service delivery within healthcare, has never been greater. 

Whether it’s to develop an FM strategy or create and environment which enables optimal patient experience, we at Khansaheb Facilities Management can help you.