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Development of Adapt-ABLE smart system – an end-to-end system for speeding up disabled housing adaptation process

Adekunle Sabitu Oyegoke (Department of Built Environment and Engineering, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK)
Saheed Ajayi (Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK)
Muhammad Azeem Abbas (Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK)
Stephen Ogunlana (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK)

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation

ISSN: 2398-4708

Article publication date: 16 March 2022

163

Abstract

Purpose

The problem of long delay and waiting time in Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) housing adaptation has been ongoing for years. This study aimed at constructing an innovative smart solution to streamline the housing adaptation process to prevent lengthy delays for disabled and elderly people.

Design/methodology/approach

The Adapt-ABLE approach is suggested based on a constructive research approach, where extensive theoretical development of the Adapt-ABLE concept is developed. It consists of four integrated platforms that undergo theoretical and analogical development and validations through applicable theories, a workshop, four brainstorming sessions and a focus group.

Findings

The proposed Adapt-ABLE approach utilises process optimisation techniques through an IT system for streamlining the process. The merits of the semi-automated system include the development of a preventive measure that allows measurement of suitability index of homes for the occupants, indicative assessment that shorten the application duration, procurement and contracting platform that utilises principles based on framework agreement and call-off contract, and a platform that standardised performance management for continuous improvement.

Originality/value

The Adapt-ABLE solution will cut the application journey of non-qualified applicants and suggest where help can be sought. The qualified applicants' application journey will also be shortened through an online indicative assessment regime and early online resources (means) testing. Overall, the proposed system reduces the waiting time, and timely delivery improves the applicant's quality of life by living independently. It will potentially save the NHS billions of pounds used to replace hips and residential care costs due to lengthy delays in the housing adaptations process.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Innovate UK for funding the project (funding number 42085). The authors are also grateful for numerous organisations that participated in this research.

Funding: Funding was obtained from Innovate UK to develop an Adapt-ABLE solution which commenced in July 2020. Further papers will develop, implement and test the integrated system.

Citation

Oyegoke, A.S., Ajayi, S., Abbas, M.A. and Ogunlana, S. (2022), "Development of Adapt-ABLE smart system – an end-to-end system for speeding up disabled housing adaptation process", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-11-2021-0155

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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