Adapting the WHO ICOPE framework to design an integrated frailty and intrinsic capacity management community-based programme in Singapore: a programme description using the updated and modified TIDieR checklist

Background: The World Health Organization Integrated Care for Older People (WHO ICOPE) framework was conceptualised to promote healthy ageing. We adapted this framework to develop a community-based frailty and intrinsic capacity management programme in Singapore, called INFINITY-ICOPE (Optimising INtrinsic Capacity for Functional INdependence and to Impede FrailTY in Older Adults: Adaptation of the WHO ICOPE for Healthy Ageing in Singapore). We aim to provide a detailed and systematically documented programme description.

Methods: We applied an updated and modified 13-item Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to describe INFINITY-ICOPE and its complex intervention components. Items included rationale, materials, procedures, providers, and modes of delivery. We also applied the new items proposed in the updated version. This included items on voice and stage of implementation, and documenting modifications made during its co-development. We excluded one item under “How well” on actual assessment of adherence and fidelity.

Results: INFINITY-ICOPE aims to maintain functional independence in older adults, represented by life-space mobility. Core functions include frailty screening using a combination of an innovative automated device and self-reported Fried phenotype criteria, in-person intrinsic capacity screening, personalised care plans guided by person-centred assessments, and referral pathways to specialist care and health-related services. The programme components are delivered at multiples sites including community-based Active Ageing Centres, Community Health Posts, public and private primary care clinics, and a public hospital. The multi-disciplinary team includes trained community partners, clinicians, community nurses, geriatricians, well-being coordinators, and allied health professionals.

Conclusion: INFINITY-ICOPE is one of the first programmes in Asia and globally to implement the ICOPE framework and to integrate frailty and intrinsic capacity management. This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive programme description to guide implementation fidelity and documentation of adaptations, and to facilitate replicability when scaling up locally or being applied beyond Singapore.

SOURCE: BMC Health Services Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-14510-5

AUTHORS: Tay L, Sum G, Wang SZ, Ginting ML, Ng YS, Ma CHK, Chua DQL, Subramaniam A, Chan C, Seow D, Lien CTC, Low LL & Ding YY.