Social Frailty Screening Tool Psychometric Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and validation of a screening tool for social frailty in older people
IRAS ID
358025
Contact name
Martin Webber
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This project introduces the idea of ‘social frailty’ as a way of improving care of older people by helping care professionals to have a shared, broad view of older people’s needs. Currently, frailty is a term used in medicine to describe the ageing body’s inability to bounce back after an illness or shock. ‘Social frailty’ describes a situation where an older person is at risk of losing the things that help them stay connected and involved with others. These could include resources (e.g. friends or family), or social activities (like going out or taking part in groups).
This study aims to use psychometric testing study the properties of a screening tool, developed in an earlier research phase, that can be used by professionals across health and social care settings to identify older people at risk of social frailty. The tool will help guide early, tailored support to help older people stay connected, independent, and out of institutional care for as long as possible.
The portion of the study will include 325 older people living at home (not in care settings), aged 60 and over and from diverse backgrounds. Participants will be recruited through GP surgeries, hospitals, and social care services in areas including North Yorkshire, Humberside, Newcastle, and Manchester. Participants will be asked to answer short sets of questions, either directly or through a carer or family member if needed. The research will assess how well these questions identify people at risk, and whether the tool can be easily used in routine practice.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through its Three Schools Prevention Research Programme. It will run from Jan 2026 to December 2026. The research is led by the University of York, with collaboration from Newcastle and Manchester universities and community partners.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0053
Date of REC Opinion
13 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion