Implementing the ICOPE program amongst community-dwelling older adults in Singapore: a multistage implementation study protocol.

Background: The global population of older adults has significantly increased in recent years, presenting substantial public health challenges. This demographic shift underscores the necessity for effective interventions such as the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, which aims to preserve functional ability and intrinsic capacity. While ICOPE has been implemented and evaluated primarily by clinical practitioners, demonstrating its efficacy in detecting declines and initiating care, the application within community multidisciplinary teams remains underexplored. This study aims to prospectively examine the implementation of the ICOPE program and identify key factors influencing it within a community setting, through the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Methods: This longitudinal mixed-methods study will evaluate ICOPE implementation among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore, assessing reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Data will be collected at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups using surveys, electronic health records, interviews, and focus groups. Descriptive statistics will analyze trends, while qualitative data will explore implementation factors. Discussion: This multistage evaluation of ICOPE implementation will identify barriers and facilitators affecting its adoption and sustainability among healthcare providers and community-dwelling older adults. The findings may inform strategies for scaling ICOPE in resource-limited settings and support policy development to promote effective aging-in-place programs.