Implementation of a comprehensive and personalised approach for older people with psychosocial frailty in Valencia (Spain): Study Protocol for a pre-post controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background With aging the risk of frailty increases, becoming a common condition that exposes older people to an increased risk of multiple adverse health outcomes and decreased quality of life. It has been shown that the experience of loneliness increases with age and in particular frail older adults appear to be at higher risk of experiencing loneliness. In Valencia (Spain), the ValueCare project develops and applies a value-based care approach that addresses the multidimensional nature of frailty by implementing integrated and personalized care to tackle frailty and loneliness by improving the well-being and quality of life of older people experiencing psychosocial frailty. Methods This study presents the study protocol of a pre-post controlled design with a baseline measurement at inclusion, at the end of implementation and a follow-up measurement after 6 months of intervention. In Valencia (Spain), 120 participants over 65 years of age are recruited from primary care centres to receive the ValueCare comprehensive and personalised care plan according to the results and are compared with 120 participants receiving "usual care". An assessment questionnaire is designed using validated instruments and a personalised care plan is developed specifically for each participant based on the results obtained. Participants whose results confirm the presence of psychosocial frailty receive a psychosocial intervention plan that combines the use of motivational interviewing supported by the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model, social workshops in the local context and the use of the ValueCare digital tool. The benefits of the intervention are assessed in terms of level of loneliness and psychological and social frailty. Discussion Addressing frailty as a multidimensional and multifactorial risk condition requires the development and implementation of comprehensive assessment and care models that address not only the physical condition but also the psychological and social condition in terms of prevention and reversal of social frailty and associated loneliness. The ValueCare project in Valencia (Spain) focuses on providing tools that integrate social and health aspects with the support of information and communication technologies to promote active aging and social participation and improve the health, well-being and quality of life of older people experiencing loneliness. Trial registration ISRCTN registration number is ISRCTN25089186. The registration date is 16/11/2021.