Implementing the WHO ICOPE program in clinical practice: three years of lessons from monitoring 27,082 participants using the ICOPE Monitor digital tool

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

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 self-assessment.

Results: 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 versus 76.4 for HCPs or 77.9 for non-HCPs, p<0.01) and less frequently had alerts in Step 1 (83.8% versus 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) versus 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%).

Conclusion: 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 to an early detection and treatment.