Mitigation Strategies for Delay Factors in Healthcare Projects

Abstract

Delay in project completion is the foremost concern in Indian construction industry. The healthcare facilities in India like in many other countries need significant investments. Healthcare projects are known for having a high degree of complexity in design, construction and operations. Furthermore, the design of healthcare facilities is highly constrained by existing set of regulations containing a wide range of prescriptive requirements. These types of infrastructure projects face the risk of running behind schedule and causing delays. Identifying and minimizing the reasons of delays can contribute in the timely completion of such projects. The goal of this study is to examine the causes of delays in healthcare construction projects and to propose mitigation strategies for preventing such delays.

The study was based on a quantitative as well as qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews and case studies were carried out to collect the data from project managers, hospital architects, site engineers & service consultants. The findings show that scope change or variations in the project and lack of communication and coordination among stakeholders are two top most delay factors pertaining to hospital projects and in addition to existing causes of delays, the level of complexity, Technological advancements, Uncertainties in procurement of medical equipment and systems, User involvement in later stage, Typical project delivery systems, Multiple approvals requirement, norms & regulations are the main causes which in turn lead to scope change or variations in the project and lack of communication and coordination among stakeholders as two delay factors pertaining to hospital projects.

A list of mitigation measures was provided as an outcome of the study. The use of flexibility in design, contracts, and construction phase, getting experienced designers, contractors, consultants on board, early stage user involvement, better coordination with the help of design coordinators, use of software technology, adoption of integrated project delivery systems was provided as a solution to the problem. The findings of the study can benefit the project managers and organizations to efficiently manage the construction of hospital projects and help in the reduction of instances of delay.