Frail2Fit study: it was feasible and acceptable for volunteers to deliver a remote health intervention to older adults with frailty.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) and good nutrition are key to maintaining independence and reversing frailty among older adults.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of training volunteers to deliver a remote multimodal intervention to older people with frailty after hospital discharge.

Design: Quasi-experimental mixed-methods feasibility study.

Setting, and participants: Twenty-seven older adults (mean age 80 years, 15 female) with frailty (Clinical Frailty Status ≥5) were enrolled from a National Health Service South England hospital, UK.

Intervention: Volunteers were trained to deliver a 3-month intervention, comprising exercise, behaviour change, and nutrition guidance in a group, or one-to-one, using telephone or online platforms.

Measurements: Feasibility was assessed by determining the number of volunteers recruited, trained, and retained; participant recruitment; and intervention adherence. Interviews were conducted with 16 older adults, 1 carer, and 5 volunteers to explore intervention acceptability, and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Secondary health outcomes, such as physical activity and appetite, were compared at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (3-months).

Results: The intervention was safe and acceptable to volunteers, and older adults with frailty. Five volunteers (mean age 16 years, 3 female) completed training, and 60 % (n = 3) were retained. Seventeen participants completed the intervention (8 online; 9 telephone). Participants attended 75 % (IQR 38-92) online sessions, and 80 % (IQR 68.5-94.5) telephone support. Volunteers provided emotional support to older people with frailty and encouraged health behaviour change. Older people learnt from each other's shared experiences in the online group, and telephone calls provided them with reassurance and monitoring. Key components to success were volunteers received comprehensive training and support from a health practitioner, while key barriers were that participants lacked social support and experienced exercise discomfort.

Conclusion: With appropriate training and support, volunteers can safely deliver a remote multimodal intervention for older adults with frailty following discharge from hospital.