The introduction and impact of a National Frailty Education Programme

Abstract

Background: Frailty is a dynamic functional state. Its onset and progression can be reduced and even reversed, if early intervention and correct management strategies are set in place. A number of reports suggest that healthcare professionals in general, have a poor understanding and view frailty as an inevitable part of ageing. In response the NCPOP developed The National Frailty Education Programme
 Aim: The programme aim is to provide healthcare professionals with an enhanced understanding of frailty and frailty assessments; thereby ensuring earlier recognition of frailty, improved healthcare management, and better outcomes for older adults living with frailty.
 Methods: A Test of Concept, using quality improvement (QI) methodology was employed. This allowed for small tests of change, which informed the development of the programme content and the programme delivery.
 Results: From 21st September 2017 to December 2019 n=3045 healthcare professionals completed the programme. A further 87 staff attended the programme during 2020. 
 97% of respondents rated the programme highly in relation to their level of enhanced understanding following participation in the study day.
 In early 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 the pandemic face to face education had to cease. The impact of COVID-19 on older adults and the increased prevalence of frailty on this cohort meant the development of and access to an eLearning programme became a priority and an eLearning programme was developed. A blended programme is due to be launched in 2023.
 Impact: In 2018, the NFEP was awarded the Zenith Global Healthcare Award in recognition of its pioneer educational approach to the delivery of integrated interprofessional education. The programme has also been included in the European Union’s Joint Action on Frailty Prevention (Rodríguez-Laso et al., 2019), as a case study of good practice under Domain 7: Education and Training. Many other projects, publications and developments have arisen out of this programme including: the evolving Frailty Networks nationally, the inaugural meeting of the Irish Frailty Network of the Irish Gerontological Society in September 2019 , the first All-Ireland Frailty Network meeting in October 2021 , advisory inputs to the Northern Ireland Frailty Network in November 2021 towards developing a Frailty Education Programme for Northern Ireland, and many other initiatives and contributions to improve patient care. The programme has been cited internationally as an exemplar of an interprofessional approach to learning (Walsh, & Currid 2018, Adja, et al. 2020, Munro & Murphy, 2022, Romero-Ortuno, et al. 2022); in recognition, since 2022, Trinity College Dublin offers up to 5 annual scholarships to NFEP Facilitators for the online, standalone module in Assessment and Management of Frailty in Ageing Adults .