Improvement plan of welfare service for adults with developmental disabilities through service design methodology

Abstract

Background This study seek the welfare service improvement for developmental disabilities where not enough support among social welfare fields. The goals of this study are to examine the possibility of interdisciplinary research, social welfare and design, through service design methodology, understand adults with developmental disabilities and their main guardians, and suggest actual service improvement plan. Methods First, we survey the daily life of multiple stakeholders who are adults with developmental disabilities, and their main guardians. Second, we derive needs and insights from survey and contextual interview. Third, we set the stage for professional discussion through developing a journey map which has emotional changes and pain points of stakeholders. Fourth, we develop a service blueprint with key elements. Results This study allows of understanding the daily activities of adults with developmental disabilities at home and day care center. The Study allows us to approach a professional and specific improvement plan for welfare service. On the basis of service key elements, we suggest an improvement plan which is classified into four components: service workforce, program, Facility and environment, and providing communication and information. Expecially, developing mobile applications and contents of simplified work system helps to provide required service and service connection. Conclusions A visualized service blueprint helps people to understand the daily life of adults with developmental disabilities and facilitates efficient and practical service improvement through showing the optimal service timing and interaction between services.