Development of a performance management framework for facilities management in the control of infections: An outline of methodology

The paper is based on an on-going PhD research project, which is aimed at developing a conceptual framework for managing the performance in for facilities management services in the control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI). First, this paper argues the need for a performance management framework (PMF), providing a review of Scottish guidelines, which were written to probe the need of a performance management framework in controlling HAI, as an evidence-base. The crux of the paper is to present the methodological framework used to achieve the aims and the objectives of the research project. The methodology being employed for the study is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach. However, the study attempts to relate the ultimate aim of the project, which is the proposed PMF, to the national framework in order to avoid any duplication. The implementation of a successful PMF needs careful consideration of a host of challenges which impinge on staff and process performances. The main challenges, in view of this particular study, include segregation of clinical and non-clinical practices, cultural issues, deficiency of resources and lack of evidence based standards. These challenges could be overcome, by better integration, raising the awareness of an importance of open culture, developing resource plans and deriving standards through surveillance and research.