Key drivers of digital twin maintenance management for healthcare facilities in Nigeria

Purpose – The healthcare sector in developing countries needs a more vigorous technological process to support maintenance activities. The ease of adopting the digital twin (DT) technology will depend on stakeholders’ exposure to the advantages. Therefore, this study aims to determine the key drivers of digital twin maintenance management (DTMM) for healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The post-positivist philosophical perspective adopted in this study informed a mixed-method research approach using a Delphi study and a questionnaire survey. In total, 11 digital technology experts domiciled in building maintenance participated in the Delphi study, and 442 maintenance personnel, top management staff and heads of departments in Nigerian hospitals formulated the respondents for the questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the structural equation modelling technique were used for data analysis. Findings – The experts’ responses indicated that the 17 listed variables had a very high impact on determining the DTMM of healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Consequently, the CFA showed that all parameter estimates for the derived ten indicator variables were statistically significant, and the robust fit indexes all met the cut-off index criteria. The measurement model for the DTMM drivers adequately matched the sample data. The foremost drivers are increased reliability of building components, maintenance cost reduction due to prediction before failures and smart management of site activities. Practical implications – The study enlightens the authorities and management of healthcare organisations on the benefits of DT technology in maintaining their facilities. It provides the motivation and guidance for decision-making, training of stakeholders and the full implementation of DT technology in the management of hospital facilities. Originality/value – The innovativeness and emergence of DT technology, especially within the Nigerian healthcare sector, portend the need to determine the benefits of adopting DT in managing constructed facilities.