Aims: Peer support networks are valuable for researchers and clinicians to develop their knowledge and transferrable skills. In Australia, none existed within the frailty discipline. In 2022, funding was provided to the Australian Frailty Network (AFN) to address this gap. This presentation describes its establishment and reach.
Methods: Potential network members, identified from consultation with AFN stakeholders and partner organisations, were invited to complete an online survey to identify preferences regarding purpose, membership and education topics. Data was also collected on implementation aspects.
Results: Fifty-five researchers and clinicians (23% early-career academics; 22% doctors) completed the survey. Even though 63% reported satisfaction with their current peer supports, 84% expressed a desire for more opportunities to interact with others at a similar career stage. There was wide agreement from respondents to be inclusive in defining membership. The preferred purposes of the network included networking, opportunities to gain feedback, review of developments in frailty research, and knowledge and skill acquisition. Priorities for education content included consumer engagement, implementation science, co-design, and navigating grant writing. Survey findings informed the launch of Frailty Nexus in June 2023. In the first 12 months 535 people joined the mailing list, 9 learning sessions (“Learning Link-Ups”) were held (median live attendance: 45 [IQR: 31.5-72.5]; median recording viewership: 60 [IQR: 49-88]), and a library of shared resources was created.
Conclusions: Frailty Nexus, through initiatives including Learning Link-Up and a shared resource library, can contribute to capacity building in multidisciplinary and translational frailty research.