A Qualitative Study of How Health Coaches Support Patients in Making Health-Related Decisions and Behavioral Changes

Abstract Purpose Although health coaches are a growing resource for supporting patients in making health decisions, we know very little about the experience of health. We undertook a qualitative study of how health coaches support patients in making decisions and implementing changes to improve thei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of family medicine 2016-11, Vol.14 (6), p.509-516
Main Authors: Thom, David H., MD, PhD, Wolf, Jessica, BS, Gardner, Heather, MPH, DeVore, Denise, BA, Lin, Michael, BS, Ma, Andy, BS, Ibarra-Castro, Ana, Saba, George, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Counseling
Decision Making
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Mentoring - methods
Middle Aged
Original Research
Patient Education as Topic
Qualitative Research
Self Care
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Summary:Abstract Purpose Although health coaches are a growing resource for supporting patients in making health decisions, we know very little about the experience of health. We undertook a qualitative study of how health coaches support patients in making decisions and implementing changes to improve their health. Methods We conducted 6 focus groups (3 in Spanish and 3 in English) with 25 patients and 5 friends or family members, followed by individual interviews with 42 patients, 17 family members, 17 health coaches, and 20 clinicians. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by at least 2 members of the study team in ATLAS.ti using principles of grounded theory to identify themes and the relationship between them. Results We identified 7 major themes that were related to each other in the final conceptual model. Similarities between health coaches and patients and the time health coaches spent with patients helped establish the health coach–patient relationship. The coach-patient relationship allowed for, and was further strengthened by, 4 themes of key coaching activities: education, personal support, practical support, and acting as a bridge between patients and clinicians. Conclusions We identified a conceptual model that supports the development of a strong relationship, which in turn provides the basis for effective coaching. These results can be used to design health coach training curricula and to support health coaches in practice.
ISSN:1544-1709
1544-1717
DOI:10.1370/afm.1988