Abstract
The increasing demands on care homes due to aging populations have exacerbated operational challenges. The need for sufficient staffing and investment are critical considerations in the management and operation phase of care homes, however care homes indeed face significant challenges with constrained budgets and labor shortages. Meanwhile, while much attention has been given to eldercare, less focus has been placed on the operational and maintenance issues that care home staff face. Therefore, this research investigates the implementation status of Building Information Modelling (BIM)-enabled Facility Management (FM) to enhance operational efficiency and reduce life cycle cost (LCC) in care homes.The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, which includes a systematic literature review, case studies, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The literature review identified five BIM application modules to care homes: Three-Dimensional (3D) modelling, information management, maintenance and repair, emergency management, and energy management. A case study conducted in a care home in Ningbo was conducted to validate the practical applications of two specific applications: 3D modelling and emergency management. The case study demonstrates the implementation of BIM-based FM for fire management, highlighting the potential of BIM to enhance emergency preparedness and reaction time.
Furthermore, the questionnaires and interviews with care home staff and government officials provide insights into the current FM challenges and the factors influencing BIM adoption across various types of care homes. The findings reveal that FM issues vary significantly based on the building ages, scale, and type of care homes. The research identifies several factors influencing the adoption of BIM in care homes, including environmental, technological, financial, training and human resources. Key drivers that promote the implementation of BIM are government policies, technological advancements, financial support, and continuity training.
The findings of this research show a comprehensive framework for the application of FM during the operation and maintenance phase of care homes, such as 3D modelling, information management, maintenance and repair, emergency management, and energy management. This framework provides solutions for the specific needs of care home FM, filling the gap in the existing theory regarding practical applications. Finally, the study summarizes recommendations for future research, particularly in the development of BIM adoption standards and software interoperability in care homes.
| Date of Award | 15 Jul 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Byung Gyoo Kang (Supervisor), Jing Xie (Supervisor) & Craig M. Hancock (Supervisor) |