What to expect if your team is selected to take part in the frailty programme.
Programme delivery
The programme will launch in April 2026 and run for 12 months. Teams should be willing to apply quality improvement methodology and work towards improving services by committing to delivering at least one of the programme aims.
Participating teams will be supported by a multidisciplinary team. Together we will identify, test and spread evidence-based change ideas. Support includes:
- one-to-one quality improvement coaching
- places at two in person learning sessions
- site visits from the Healthcare Improvement Scotland team
- access to clinical and improvement expertise on frailty, and
- advice on data and measurement, strategic planning and engaging people and families in improvement.
Teams will be expected to:
- join the online welcome session on Monday 20 April 2026, 1-3pm
- complete an operational agreement between themselves and Healthcare Improvement Scotland
- complete a project charter
- test change ideas at pace
- submit monthly data and quarterly progress reports
- attend two in-person learning sessions and a series of online events, and
- present their learning to other teams who are part of the programme.
Teams will use quality improvement methodology to test and implement changes, supported by robust data collection and analysis to show impact.
Previous impact
The following are some examples of the impact achieved by previous teams involved in this work:
- As of the end of January 2026, 87% (13/15) of hospitals that accept emergency admissions and are participating in the Focus on Frailty programme provided access to specialist staff in frailty teams.
- One hospital reduced the average length of stay for people living with frailty by four days.
- 37% reduction in demand for GP appointments in the six months following an occupational therapy wellbeing review.
- 1,400 older people screened for frailty in 12 months by one community team.
Resources
Find more resources on our website.
Get involved
Applications to join the Focus on Frailty programme are open until close of play 13 March 2026. Visit the Get involved webpage to apply.