Take Home Messages:

Management of long term or chronic medical conditions often requires treatment from a doctor or other health care provider.  However, the patient’s self-care often has a greater impact on the outcome. 

Improved self-management of chronic health conditions helps reduce disability. One way of achieving this is through the use of health ‘coaches’ who assist the person understand and manage their health. But how does a coach become a coach? 

This study found that many people working in the role of health coach had little formal training. 

However coach training meets the needs of those working in the area. Coaches who receive traning report:

• Increase in knowledge regarding coaching techniques;
• Development of specific counselling skills;
• Increased confidence in their work; and
• Integration of new skills in the workplace.

Why the study matters:

Chronic illness is a huge burden to individuals and the community. Illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease cost employers millions of dollars in lost days. Previous studies have demonstrated a 50% treatment adherence rate in such diseases.

The use of self-management strategies is effective. It has been shown to improve the health status of patients and reduce overall costs. Techniques aimed at increasing patient self-management to medical treatment and lifestyle strategies are crucial.

What the study involved:

This study investigated the effectiveness of training allied health professionals in patient self-management strategies. A total of 45 allied health professionals were involved.

The training program was a two-day workshop. It involved sessions focusing on:

• Coach role boundaries;
• Managing depression and anxiety;
• Reflective listening skills;
• Stages of change;
  • Pre-contemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance
• Managing ambivalence to change;
• Managing resistance; and
• Motivational interviewing skills.

Activities were based around formal teaching sessions, role plays and homework telephone exercises.

The study assessed the coaches on:

• A pre-training questionnaire regarding previous counselling experience; and
• Workshop evaluation and debriefing questionnaires.

Summary of study findings:

The study found more than half of participants had received no formal training in counselling skills. There were some reports of experience in general counselling techniques, but limited experience with motivational interviewing skills.

Post-training questionnaires revealed:

• Development of skills related to motivational interviewing and self-efficacy;
• All coaches reported that they had integrated the practices into their professional work with clients outside the training program; and
• Increase in knowledge.

The statistics collected at pre-training and post-training data revealed a significant increase in the knowledge and use of targeted skills.

Original research:

Telephone coach training for health professionals in patient self-management strategies

Helen Lindner1, David Menzies2, and Jill Kelly2

Australian Journal of Primary Health — Vol. 9, Nos. 2 & 3, 2003

Abstract link