Implementing the National Frailty Policy in Singapore’s primary care: The Intrinsic Capacity ProMotion in PrimAry Care for The Frail Programme
Completed
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Full name: Implementing the National Frailty Policy in Singapore’s primary care: The Intrinsic Capacity ProMotion in PrimAry Care for The Frail Programme (IMPACTFrail)
Age Well SG strand: Strengthen support for seniors with care needs in the community
Principal Investigator: Dr Grace Sum Chi-En (Research Fellow, GERI)
Collaborating Organisation(s): NHG Polyclinics, National University Polyclinics, SingHealth Polyclinics
Gap: Early mitigation of declining physical and psychological well-being (known as intrinsic capacity) in older people may help them function well and have good quality of life even as they grow old. Additionally, there is a need for more research projects with three-cluster collaborations from the outset, to facilitate the successful execution of health programmes nationwide.
Solution: IMPACTFrail is an intrinsic capacity identification and management programme that screens mildly frail older adults on six intrinsic capacity domains in polyclinics and provides coordinated care across health and social services. GERI co-adapted the form of delivery of the IMPACTFrail programme guided by Singapore’s National Frailty Strategy Policy Report, and co-selected accompanying implementation strategies with three Regional Health System polyclinic groups. Implementation research guided the development and feasibility assessment of the new programme among five polyclinics. Subsequently, a scaled-up programme will be evaluated for its implementation and effectiveness.
Anticipated Impact: IMPACTFrail aims to impede decline in and improve intrinsic capacity and functional ability among older adults to help them maintain a socially active life. This study informs the integration of IMPACTFrail with existing clinical practices and health programmes in polyclinics, while the cost analysis will inform the cost of scaling this programme. At the decision-making level, IMPACTFrail provides polyclinic leadership teams with evidence on the feasibility of scaling this programme. Findings are being disseminated via publications, conference presentations and a final report. These include the Singapore Allied Health Conference 2025, 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation, Singapore Conference on Ageing and Health 2026 and 4th Swiss Implementation Science Conference/IMPACT Conference 2026.
Duration: Mar 2024 to Mar 2026