An Integrated Framework for Digital Twins in Hospitals

The architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AECFM) industry has been criticized for having a level of digitalization far below that of other manufacturing sectors, especially in creating digital assets, expanding digital tools, and creating digital jobs. The challenge of managing the built environment is currently particularly complex, considering the increasing performance requirements not only in terms of energy and the environment but also from a human perspective. Digital twin technology, with its ability to create virtual replicas of physical assets, has gained significant traction in the built environment sector. These virtual twins offer immense potential for monitoring, simulation, and optimization. Nonetheless, to fully harness their benefits, an integrated framework is essential. Such a framework would guide seamless implementation, interoperability, and effective utilization of digital twins across various domains. Several questions may arise when we create a digital twin for the built environment: How should we structure the digital twin model? What information should we be able to visualize? How should the digital twin model interact with the user? These are some of the questions we still need a consistent answer. A mixed-methods approach that combined a literature review with with expert interviews was used to understand better the current state of digital twin applications in the built environment sector. This study emphasizes the significance of using an integrated approach to develop digital twin technology to realize its full potential in the built environment industry. It puts forward a framework specifically designed for hospital facilities.