Enhancing healthcare efficiency: leveraging advanced maintenance management for optimal staff performance

Abstract

Purpose – This study explores how effective maintenance strategies enhance healthcare staff performance. It evaluates their influence on the work environment and operational efficiency, examines the benefits of Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain and highlights the role of leadership in adopting these innovations. Real-world examples illustrate their success in boosting workforce productivity and overall healthcare efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted among 102 healthcare professionals in Greece, including doctors, nurses, administrative staff and technicians. The study applies ANOVA, Pearson correlation and comparative analysis to examine maintenance management and staff performance, supported by a literature review on maintenance benefits, leadership and the utilisation of emerging technologies. Findings are contextualised through cross-role and unit-level comparisons. Findings – Results underscore the importance of a well-maintained work environment in boosting staff satisfaction and performance. Factors such as lighting, air quality and infrastructure were linked to reduced stress and improved job satisfaction. The study emphasises the benefits of emerging technologies in improving efficiency and identifies gaps in training and adaptation to modern requirements. Leadership plays a pivotal role, with findings indicating the need for better communication and prompt issue resolution. Research limitations/implications – While offering valuable insights, this study has several limitations. Convenience sampling via hospital websites and social media may introduce selection bias, as digitally active respondents could differ from others, limiting generalisability. A small sample size (n = 102) further restricts representativeness across the healthcare workforce. Self-reported data may also skew results due to recall and social desirability biases. To strengthen reliability, future research should incorporate objective data sources and qualitative methods like interviews. Additionally, the SMART-Maintenance Framework, though promising, remains conceptual. Validation through pilot and longitudinal studies is essential to determine its long-term impact on healthcare maintenance and staff well-being. Practical implications – This research offers the following actionable and easily adoptable practical solutions: (a) The SMART-Maintenance Framework (SMF): a structured framework for integrating technology and management best practices, helping healthcare organisations optimise maintenance operations and ultimately improve patient care; (b) Strategic guidelines for adopting the SMF effectively; (c) Technology-driven solutions about emerging technologies’ integration: implementing CMMS, AI, IoT and blockchain, healthcare administrators can streamline maintenance processes, minimise equipment downtime and improve overall working conditions and (d) Key recommendations for healthcare staff and administrators. Originality/value – This research provides actionable recommendations, addressing key challenges and leveraging technological solutions to create a more efficient workplace. It also introduces the SMART-Maintenance Framework (SMF), an innovative model integrating digital tools and management insights to enhance healthcare maintenance and staff performance. The findings contribute valuable insights to optimising healthcare delivery.