Bridging the Knowledge Gap: A Rapid, Intensive Frailty Education Program to Empower Staff

Abstract Background Frailty is common, affecting, 22% aged 65 years and 33.3% aged 75 years and over in Ireland. A program of Frailty education was developed following a Rehabilitation Rapid Improvement Event (RIE) in July 2024 which identified the need for staff education. Uptake across hospital staff was limited with only 12 staff having completed training at the time of the RIE, and this was impacted by reduced number of on-site Frailty Education facilitators. Methods The Fundamentals of Frailty Education program from the National Clinical Program for Older Persons (NCPOP) is the gold standard and can be availed of on-line or as a one-day course. Over Q 4 2024 and Q 1 2025, a program of Frailty Education was undertaken including facilitator training and delivery of program. Nine staff across Nursing, HSCP and Pharmacy trained as Frailty Education Facilitators through attendance at “Insights into Frailty Program” with NCPOP clinical lead, and 1 day interactive workshop with the Trinity Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). In the month of February, Frailty month was launched. Awareness was raised through rolling digital display, Frailty Quiz and weekly staff email to maintain engagement. A rapid and intensive education program was then delivered to staff from within the hospital and local CHO through two one-day programs, four consecutive weekly lunchtime journal clubs targeting medical staff alongside the on-line option. Results 123 staff participated in the program through a combination of the three training formats, 98 (79.6%) attained certification. Attendees reported that the content was informative and relevant, with plans to share key learnings with colleagues, supporting broader knowledge dissemination. Medical staff highlighted the accessibility of the journal club format and the relevance of content. Conclusion This novel rapid and intensive frailty education program proved beneficial in optimising learning opportunities and uptake for staff and will be rolled out annually.