A Systematic Review of the Literature on Health and Wellness Coaching: Defining a Key Behavioral intervention in Healthcare

Abstract

Primary Objective: Review the operational definitions of health and wellness coaching as published in the peer-reviewed medical literature. Background: As global rates of preventable chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions, there has been an increased focus on strategies to improve health behaviors and associated outcomes. One such strategy, health and wellness coaching, has been inconsistently defined and shown mixed results. Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided systematic review of the medical literature on health and wellness coaching allowed for compilation of data on specific features of the coaching interventions and background and training of coaches. Results: Eight hundred abstracts were initially identified through PubMed, with 284 full-text articles ultimately included. The majority (76%) were empirical articles. The literature operationalized health and wellness coaching as a process that is fully or partially patient-centered (86% of articles), included patientdetermined goals (71%), incorporated self-discovery and active learning processes (63%) (vs more passive receipt of advice), encouraged accountability for behaviors (86%), and provided some type of education to patients along with using coaching processes (91%). Additionally, 78% of articles indicated that the coaching occurs in the context of a consistent, ongoing relationship with a human coach who is trained in specific behavior change, communication, and motivational skills. Conclusions: Despite disparities in how health and wellness coaching have been operationalized previously, this systematic review observes an emerging consensus in what is referred to as health and wellness coaching; namely, a patient-centered process that is based upon behavior change theory and is delivered by health professionals with diverse backgrounds. The actual coaching process entails goalsetting determined by the patient, encourages self-discovery in addition to content education, and incorporates mechanisms for developing accountability in health behaviors. With a clear definition for health and wellness coaching, robust research can more accurately assess the effectiveness of the approach in bringing about changes in health behaviors, health outcomes and associated costs that are targeted to reduce the global burden of chronic disease. 摘要

What is the effect of health coaching on physical activity participation in people aged 60 years and over? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

“…It is possible that relevant studies may have been missed due to the lack of clarity in terminology used for what might have been a similar approach. Likely, one major reason for this is the fact that there is a lack of standardisation in the concept of health coaching9; therefore, there is a critical need for a consistent and clear definition of health coaching as a specific intervention.…”

“…A recent systematic review9 identified an emerging consensus on the definition of health coaching, which is: ‘a patient-centred process that is based upon behaviour change theory and is delivered by health professionals with diverse backgrounds. The actual health coaching process entails goal setting determined by the patient, encourages self-discovery in addition to content education, and incorporates mechanisms for developing accountability in health behaviours.’ Although there are many different models or frameworks that can be used within a health coaching approach, it commonly includes motivational interviewing techniques and solution-focused goal setting as a strategy for effective intervention 7 10–12.…”

Innovation in medical education: a culinary coaching tele-nutrition training program

“…Health and wellness coaching has proven to be effective in promoting nutritional change [6] and has developed national standards and accreditations [7]. Culinary Coaching is defined as ‘a behavioral intervention that aims to improve nutrition and overall health by facilitating participant’s home cooking through an active learning process that combines culinary training with health and wellness coaching competencies’ [8].…”

Coaching aus der Perspektive der Allgemeinmedizin

“…Ärzte und Angehörige anderer Gesundheitsberufe (hauptsäch-lich Pflegepersonen) zählen dabei zu den Hauptakteuren. Um die nötigen Kompetenzen zu erlangen, sind spezielle Schulungen unerlässlich [8,10,22,38]. Diesbezüglich gibt es allerdings eine sehr große Bandbreite der Intensität.…”

“…Diesbezüglich gibt es allerdings eine sehr große Bandbreite der Intensität. So gibt es Programme mit einer Dauer von <2 h bis hin zu 2 Jahren, im Durchschnitt aber wird von einer Dauer zwischen 6 und 40 h berichtet [38]. Das National Consortium for Cre- [37].…”