Managing frailty

Link to websites: European Funds, Ministry of Health

Project description

Background

Similar to other European countries, Slovenia is becoming and ageing society, which presents challenges in terms of health, social welfare and the economy. The rapid growth in the proportion of older people—by 2061, 31% of the population will be over 65— this means there is an increased need for policies and measures to promote active and healthy ageing.

Frailty among older adults is increasingly recognized as a key factor in reduced functionality and independence. According to the World Health Organization, frailty is a state of increased vulnerability resulting from age-related reductions in psychological reserves. Research shows that pre-frailty is a transitional state that with timely intervention, can prevent or slow the development of frailty.

Although frailty is an important factor in the planning of healthy ageing policies, this area has not been sufficiently researched in Slovenia. Existing data indicates that the proportion of pre-frail and frail individuals is high, yet further research is needed to develop effective interventions.

The Managing Frailty project takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining public health, clinical and social aspects. A community-based approach is essential, involving local communities, healthcare institutions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in order to address and prevent frailly in older adults comprehensively.

Purpose of the project

The project aims to develop and implement an interdisciplinary, preventive approach to pre-frailty and frailty within primary healthcare, as well as to design and integrated care pathway. The project seeks to improve health and digital literacy, raise awareness, and strengthen the physical and mental health of older adults. The project promotes the integration of the healthcare system with other community stakeholders, reduces health inequalities and improves living environments through a sustainable, multidisciplinary approach.

Project objectives

The project’s main objective is to prepare a proposal for a systemic approach to preventing and managing frailty, in order to support healthy quality ageing.

The project’s specific objectives are:

• analysis, development, pilot testing and evaluation of approaches to health promotion and risk factor management in pre-frail individuals, including models for assessing physical pre-frailty;
• raising awareness of the importance of physical and mental health in preventing pre-frailty and frailty, and promoting preventive measures to help older people maintain physical independence and inclusion;
• preparing guidelines for improving the living environment of older adults, with the aim of enhancing their physical, mental and social capacities, with an emphasis on a community-based and sustainable approach;
• developing and adapting a digital health platform to improve digital and health literacy for all healthcare stakeholders.

Phases of the project (Work Packages)

The project will be implemented across 11 work packages (WPs), which will cover management, research, developing solutions, pilot testing and disseminating results.

Project Management and Coordination (WP1)

Ensures the smooth implementation of the project, effective organization, management, and coordination of all activities.

Evaluation (WP2)

It monitors the implementation of project activities, achievement of objectives and stakeholder satisfaction. It includes a process evaluation and a summative evaluation of the pilot-tested model for addressing prefrailty, as well as an evaluation of the sustainability of the results achieved.

Communication and dissemination (WP3)

It facilitates the strategic communication of content on pre-frailty and frailty, raising awareness among both the general public and professionals. The focus is on people aged 50 and over, healthy lifestyles, and preventive measures. Collaborating with key stakeholders, such as medical professionals, non-governmental organizations and local communities will help to disseminate key messages.

Addressing physical frailty (WP4)

The development and pilot testing of a model for the assessment and management of physical pre-frailty and frailty in primary healthcare settings and the community. Preparing national guidelines for the early identification of frailty and preventive measures.

Addressing mental and social frailty (WP5)

It explores the relationship between mental health, social factors and frailty, developing tools to detect signs of mental and social frailty early on. It promotes the social inclusion of older people and raises public awareness of the importance of mental health.

Non-governmental organizations (WP6)

It emphasizes the importance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in preventing frailty, improves communication and information transfer between the NIJZ and NGOs, and strengthens the competencies of NGOs to implement effective programs.

Local communities and healthy environment (WP7)

The development of a community-based model for treating frail individuals, alongside the preparation of guidelines for adapting living environments to promote active and healthy ageing.

IT solutions (WP8)

The adaptation of the zVEM digital platform to improve digital and health literacy and develop video consultations between patients and doctors.

Safety aspects of frailty (WP9)

It focuses on preventing violence against older people, strengthening safety in working and living environments, and raising awareness of the risks associated with frailty.

Education and research (WP10)

It focuses on researching the prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty in the population, as well as developing educational approaches for professionals and the general public. This includes creating online content and interactive courses.

Monitoring and systemic management (WP11)

It includes systemic monitoring and support in the implementation of measures, the establishment of a steering committee, and the preparation of a basis for systemic changes in the treatment of pre-frailty and frailty.

Added value

The project promotes a better understanding of pre-frailty and frailty, opening up possibilities for improving the prevention and treatment of pre-frailty in Slovenia. Its added value lies in its holistic approach, which integrates health, social and community-based aspects.

• A systematic approach to identifying pre-frailty

The project will contribute to the development of better tools for the early identification and treatment of pre-frailty. This can help to reduce the risk of it progressing to frailty.

• Enhancing digital and health literacy

The project will enhance the use of digital tools to support the health of older people by improving access to information and adapting digital solutions.

• Interdisciplinary and community-based treatment

The project will promote the integration of different stakeholders in addressing pre-frailty and frailty by working with health institutions, NGOs and local communities.

• Awareness raising and education

The project will raise awareness of pre-frailty and the importance of preventive measures, while supporting the education of professionals and the general public.

• A basis for systemic improvements

The evaluation and pilot testing will provide data that can inform the development of future solutions for addressing pre-frailty more effectively.

 Expected results and materials

The activities will be supported by integrated products designed to develop guidelines and expert foundations for the implementation of preventive measures, as well as long-term systemic improvements to the identification and management of pre-frailty and frailty within the Slovenian context. These results will be backed by studies, analyses, interventions and materials tailored to various audiences, as well as pilot information solutions and educational content.

Duration of the project: 1 August 2024 – 31 December 2028

 Leading organization: NIJZ (National Institute of Public Health) and MZ (Ministry of Health)

 Funding:

Project is implemented within the framework of Slovenia’s EU Cohesion Programme 2021-2027, Priority 7 “Long-term care and health, and social inclusion”, specific objective ES04.11 “Enhancing equal and timely access to quality, sustainable and affordable services, including services that promote the access to housing and person-centred care including healthcare; modernizing social protection systems, including promoting access to social protection, with a particular focus on children and disadvantaged groups; improving accessibility including for persons with disabilities, effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long-term services.”

The investment is co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus and the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia as the national contribution.

Photos of meetings and events