Recommendation 5

The frailty policy landscape is confusing and fragmented. NHSE and the Department are planning and developing several frailty specific initiatives, such as a national frailty dashboard, and a Modern Service Framework for frailty and dementia. There are also a number of broader developments which may affect service provision for frailty, such as neighbourhood health, new funding models for ICBs and a refresh of the Better Care Fund. It is unclear whether or how these different initiatives will overlap and interact. It is encouraging that NHSE has commissioned a National Institute for Health and Care Research-led evaluation of frailty pathways and interventions, because it understands that it needs more evidence about which interventions work best. However, it is also concerning that NHSE does not have a clear idea as to whether the range of frailty interventions currently available actually work. recommendation The Department of Health & Social Care should write to the Committee within six months with an update setting out how all frameworks, policy initiatives and dashboards relevant to frailty provision interact and support one another.