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You can read the details below. By accepting, you agree to the updated privacy policy. Thank you! View updated privacy policy We've encountered a problem, please try again. Health coaching is a systematic approach to help patients attain knowledge, proficiency, tools and self-reliance in order to actively engage themselves in self-care and attain self-recognized health goals. Health coaching aims to coach patients suffering from chronic conditions by supplying relevant information, and facilitating proficiency and confidence to take care of themselves. However, in patients with acute conditions patients are advised to take medication or go for surgery. A health coach teaches the patient about the necessary action(s) to be taken by the patient to prevent any serious complications arising from the chronic health condition. For instance, a health coach can train the patient in reading blood glucose levels with the help of a glucometer. This can help the patient take relevant corrective measures to avoid worsening or complications of the condition. Image Credit: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock Who is a Health Coach?A health coach is an individual who is designated to ensure the personalized mentoring of the patient. A health coach can be any member of the multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, medical assistants (MAs), community, health workers, and health educators. Sometimes the health coach may even be another patient who has attained the appropriate training to deal with a health condition. Registered nurses (RNs) and social workers are considered to be good health coaches. A RN is well trained to pass on skills and knowledge necessary for self-care. Social workers are also well trained to introduce a behavioral change in patients. However, considering the fact that both RNs and social workers are rarely found in primary care units, medical assistants are generally best fitted to serve as health coaches. A competent health coach is never directional and tries to shift the treatment methodology from rescuing to coaching the patient. The health coach slowly develops a bond with the patient and the treating clinicians during the health coaching process. Principles of Health CoachingHealth coaching is a specific patient-centric process that has five basic principles as highlighted below: Offering Self-Management Support This is the most important aspect of health coaching program as it entails health care outside the hospital settings. Basically, a health coach aims to train patients in seven areas of self - management support as enlisted below:
Studies have revealed that self- management support results in an overall improvement in health status. Link Between Physician and Patient On various occasions there may be a loss of the expected close connection between the physician and patient due to a lack of proper communication. For instance, the physician may prescribe medications; however, the patient might miss one or more doses, which can affect the overall prognosis. A health coach acts as a link in such situation and closely monitors and operates within the challenges faced by the patients. Facilitating the Patient to Steer Through the Health Care System Many patients require a facilitator to consult and connect with in various health care services. A health coach can assist the patient during the whole process. Emotional Support Dealing with chronic conditions can be overwhelming for the patients. A health coach develops a bond with the patients and provides much-needed emotional support to the patients. Seeing patients on a regular basis A health coach regularly visits the patients and addresses their concerns. This time that is devoted to patients is typically more than most physicians can achieve in their regular clinical practice. Models of Health CoachingThere are many ways in which a health coaching program can be employed in medical practice. However, there are two models of health coaching that have been considered successful in coaching patients to health.
The Care Transitions coach (a nurse or social worker) initially meets the patient in the hospital followed by a subsequent visit to the home. Post meeting, the care transitions coach ensures that the patient is called three times by phone, to ensure the right treatment modality is being followed. Further Reading
Last Updated: Oct 17, 2018 Written by Akshima SahiAkshima is a registered dentist and seasoned medical writer from Dharamshala, India. Akshima is actively involved in educating people about the importance of good dental health. She examines patients and lends free counseling sessions. Taking her passion for medical writing ahead, her aim is to educate the masses about the value of good oral health. CitationsPlease use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
What is meant by coaching a patient as it relates to community resources?Define coaching a patient as it relates to health maintenance. Enhancing the patient's understanding and learning experience when educating patient regarding topics on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment plans as directed by the provider.
What is coaching a patient as it relates to health maintenance?Health coaching is potentially a practical method to assist patients in achieving and maintaining healthy lifestyles. In health coaching, the coach partners with the patient, helping patients discover their own strengths, challenges, and solutions.
What is coaching a patient?Health coaching can be defined as helping patients gain the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to become active participants in their care so that they can reach their self-identified health goals.
How do you coach a patient on disease prevention?Principles of Health Coaching. Educating the patient through relevant information.. Educating with disease-specific expertise.. Encouraging healthy habits.. Communicating problem-solving proficiencies.. Helping in dealing with the emotional turmoil of a chronic disease on the patient.. Assuring regular follow up.. |