Health Coaches
You are essential!
While both the definition and scope of practice for health coaches are still under investigation, the positive patient health outcomes yielded from these professional services are both undeniable and promising. Through mutual examination of client abilities, health coaches transfer accountability to the client, thus encourage active participation in care. These members of the healthcare team assist the individual in determining goals and formulating plans, while providing structure, encouragement, and support. Nowhere is this more apparent -- and most needed -- than in the management of chronic illnesses, such as those observed in the Cabin Creek Health System (ex: hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia -- “the quad”).
Recent literature has repeatedly demonstrated health coaches positively impact the management and behavioral changes surrounding nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and medication adherence through goal setting, motivational interviewing, and collaboration with health care providers. Specifically relating to “the quad” phenomenon at CCHS, one study revealed an inverse relationship between frequency of patient-health coach interactions and blood pressure readings in a low-income setting (i.e., increased encounters led to decreased blood pressure values), which in turn reduced primary care visits and improved patient self-management. While another investigation examined various specialized care models surrounding diabetes mellitus, and concluded continual implementation of health coach services may lead to improved patient outcomes and overall reduced healthcare costs.
As 95% to 99% of chronic illness care is provided by the person with the disease (i.e., the patient), health coaches are imperative to bridging the gap between health providers and client by fostering and facilitating goal setting as well as self-management. Thus, health coaches may be considered cornerstones to patient-centered care and improved patient outcomes.
Recent literature has repeatedly demonstrated health coaches positively impact the management and behavioral changes surrounding nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and medication adherence through goal setting, motivational interviewing, and collaboration with health care providers. Specifically relating to “the quad” phenomenon at CCHS, one study revealed an inverse relationship between frequency of patient-health coach interactions and blood pressure readings in a low-income setting (i.e., increased encounters led to decreased blood pressure values), which in turn reduced primary care visits and improved patient self-management. While another investigation examined various specialized care models surrounding diabetes mellitus, and concluded continual implementation of health coach services may lead to improved patient outcomes and overall reduced healthcare costs.
As 95% to 99% of chronic illness care is provided by the person with the disease (i.e., the patient), health coaches are imperative to bridging the gap between health providers and client by fostering and facilitating goal setting as well as self-management. Thus, health coaches may be considered cornerstones to patient-centered care and improved patient outcomes.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) has been utilized for nearly three decades as a way to prompt thoughts of change in a manner that uses a patient’s internal motivation. The process gives control of the conversation to the patient by first asking for permission to have a discussion. Then the practitioner can determine which stage of change the patient is currently in (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance). The core of MI resides in the use of open-ended questions, reflective listening, normalizing feelings or thoughts, and mutual goal setting. A high percentage of disease management revolves around lifestyle changes that can be better achieved with motivational interviewing compared to customary education.
Next: Learn more about roles and goals specific to Cabin Creek Health Systems health coaches.
Next: Learn more about roles and goals specific to Cabin Creek Health Systems health coaches.