A Qualitative Inquiry on Medical Service Improvement and Support Needs based on Medical Services and Self-Determination Experiences of People with Developmental Disabilities

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate medical service improvement and support needs based on medical service and self-determination experiences of people with developmental disabilities(DD) along with their families and facility service providers. Method: For this study, individual in-dept interviews were conducted with 11 adults with DD living in their home or facilities and their caregivers(5 family members and 6 facility service providers) who are selected as a pair. Also, a focus group interview was conducted with 5 family members having a family with DD. All collected data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Results: From the qualitative analysis, seven main themes emerged as follows: (a) expression and recognition regarding illness, (b) health care methods and difficulties, (c) difficulties in medical treatments and services, (d) self-determination issues regarding health and medical care, (e) useful medical supports and tips, (f) methods and support needs to promote self-determination of people with DD, and (g) support needs to improve health and medical services. Conclusion: Based on the results, implications and future directions were provided to improve health and medical services for people with DD.