Effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention on preventing development of frailty in pre-frail older people: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Nicola Fairhall; Susan E Kurrle; Catherine Sherrington; Stephen R Lord; Keri Lockwood; Beatrice John; Noeline Monaghan; Kirsten Howard; Ian D Cameron

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007091

Effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention on preventing development of frailty in pre-frail older people: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open. 2015 Feb 9;5(2):e007091. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007091.

Authors

Nicola Fairhall¹, Susan E Kurrle², Catherine Sherrington³, Stephen R Lord⁴, Keri Lockwood², Beatrice John², Noeline Monaghan¹, Kirsten Howard⁵, Ian D Cameron¹

Affiliations

¹ Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
² Division of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia.
³ The George Institute for International Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁴ Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁵ School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

Introduction: Frailty is a major concern due to its costly and widespread consequences, yet evidence of effective interventions to delay or reduce frailty is lacking. Our previous study found that a multifactorial intervention was feasible and effective in reducing frailty in older people who were already frail. Identifying and treating people in the pre-frail state may be an effective means to prevent or delay frailty. This study describes a randomised controlled trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention on development of frailty in older people who are pre-frail.

Methods and analysis: A single centre randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Two hundred and thirty people aged above 70 who meet the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty criteria for pre-frailty, reside in the community and are without severe cognitive impairment will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to receive a multifactorial intervention or usual care. The intervention group will receive a 12-month interdisciplinary intervention targeting identified characteristics of frailty and problems identified during geriatric assessment. Participants will be followed for a 12-month period. Primary outcome measures will be degree of frailty measured by the number of Cardiovascular Health Study frailty criteria present, and mobility measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcomes will include measures of mobility, mood and use of health and community services.

Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District Health Research Ethics Committee (1207-213M). The findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000043730.

Keywords: GERIATRIC MEDICINE; frail elderly; randomised trial.

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Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / prevention & control
Affect
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Frail Elderly*
Geriatric Assessment
Health Services for the Aged* / statistics & numerical data
Humans
Male
Mobility Limitation
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Research Design
Residence Characteristics

Grants and funding

Medical Research Council/United Kingdom