Integrated project delivery (IPD) takes a collaborative approach in healthcare construction. It allows teams to make informed decisions based on expert input, not only in the early stages, but throughout the entire process. As a result, design-build companies like APEX can offer more value by breaking down silos that create barriers in the healthcare facility construction process. Here we explore the benefits and best practices of IPD in healthcare.
What is IPD?
Integrated project delivery is a construction project delivery method that brings key stakeholders together under a collaborative agreement. As part of a lean construction process, collaboration is used to decrease waste and continuously increase efficiency in both productivity and profitability.
Who is involved in IPD?
Data and information sharing between the design, construction and fabrication team breaks down barriers that commonly slow productivity. These teams are at the core of IPD, continuously introducing efficiency measures at the earliest stages of each construction phase.
What are the benefits of IPD?
An Integrated Project Delivery method creates a team empowered by specific areas of expertise. Working collaboratively, these experts continuously contribute project-critical input that improves efficiencies throughout the design and construction process. Integration includes not only the right people, but also best practices and systems that provide the following benefits:
- All players share common goals, ensuring everyone remains focused on achieving the same outcomes with a project-first mentality
- The process becomes seamless as the most critical players are involved throughout the project avoiding “dropped balls”
- Accountability improves when everyone has clear roles and responsibilities and break down traditional silos to eliminate blame culture
- Everyone remains on the same page regarding essential aspects of building including timing, budget, energy efficiency, and more for improved outcomes and higher quality performance
- Mutual respect allows all team members to appreciate each other’s expertise, reducing authority challenges to build stronger teams and professional relationships
- Improvements are measured across costs, scheduling, efficiency, and performance at every stage
- Teams leverage technology such as Business Information Modeling (BIM) to reduce change orders and improve client satisfaction
- A reduction in Requests for Information improves efficiency as project managers and their teams maintain transparency regarding project-critical documents, drawings, and specifications, eliminating information gaps
IPD Best Practices
IPD best practices include:
- Determining whether it is best to choose a ground up or build out strategy
- Asking the right questions at the design phase to ensure:
- Accuracy
- Appropriate costing
- Realistic timelines
- Ongoing collaboration to breakdown traditional silos that slow progression to more effectively identify risks and follow an agreed upon plan for smoother project implementation
- Accurate documentation for quick reference throughout the project to save time and pinpoint changing decisions and their causes
- Sharing of ideas to ensure those most qualified to make decisions are involved and the group moves forward with respect for that expertise
- Ongoing reviews to keep everyone on the same page to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and maintain timelines
Elevating IPD with Services Under One Roof
The one shortfall of IPD is that typically, despite improved collaboration, you’re still working with stakeholders and experts from different companies. At Apex, our proprietary Apex Continuum approach includes an in-house team of designers, architects and builders who all work together under one roof. This ensures complete quality control over each phase of the process, while breaking down barriers that might arise in IPD models related to “competitive” spirits.
IPD model leverages industry best practices with each expert ensuring their input contributes to improved timing and cost reductions. Healthcare facilities avoid delays and reduce budget issues with continuous performance improvements from each team.
Leverage IPD in healthcare facility designs with Apex.
Your healthcare facility can benefit from forward-thinking integrated project delivery with the collaborative design-build team at Apex Design Build. Reach out to us when you’re considering a medical facility design and build project to learn how IPD and specifically the Apex Continuum will save you money and improve the longevity and sustainability of your healthcare facility.