Implementing the WHO ICOPE Program in Clinical Practice: Three Years of Lessons From Monitoring 27 082 Participants Using the ICOPE Monitor Digital Tool

Abstract

Background: To describe the implementation of the ICOPE program in France using a digital tool in order to: (1) describe the characteristics of people completing the screener, identifying differences across assessors (healthcare professionals (HCPs), non-HCPs, or self-assessment); (2) describe the characteristics of follow-up and assessments for people with abnormal screening test; and (3) describe the recommendations in the intervention care plans for people with a decline in intrinsic capacity.

Methods: A descriptive study, presenting the results at initial screening, as well as at assessment when needed, and the recommendations issued during Step 3. We compared these results based on whether the participant was enrolled by an HCP, by a non-HCP, or by self-assessment.

Results: A total of 27 082 participants were enrolled. 67.9% were registered by HCPs. 90.8% participants screened positive at Step 1. Participants who completed the self-assessment were significantly younger (70.9 years vs 76.4 for HCPs or 77.9 for non-HCPs, p < .01) and less frequently had alerts in Step 1 (83.8% vs 90.8% for HCPs or 94.8% for non-HCPs). Step 2 in-depth assessments were carried out for 8.9% of the participants. In Step 2, only the SPPB showed significantly better motor abilities in individuals enrolled through self-assessment (median and IQR: 11 (10-12) vs 10 (8-12) for HCPs and 10 (7-12) for non-HCPs). Prevention care plans were proposed, mainly physical activity (n = 833, 33.7%) and nutrition counseling (n = 1 233, 51.7%).

Conclusions: This study highlights the major role of HCPs in the implementation of the ICOPE program. Self-assessment enables the enrollment of more robust seniors, allowing for an early detection and treatment.

Keywords: Digital tool; ICOPE program; Intrinsic capacity; Prevention; WHO.