Evaluation of a Health Coaching Course for Providers and Staff in Veterans Health Affairs Medical Facilities

• Main Authors: David A. Collins (Author), Stephen R. Shamblen (Author), Katharine A. Atwood (Author), David L. Rychener (Author), William H. Scarbrough (Author), Melissa H. Abadi (Author), Leigh Ann Simmons (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2015-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2150-1319; 2150-1327; 10.1177/2150131915591154
• Keywords: Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics; R858-859.7; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Vol 6 (2015)

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a health coaching (HC) course for providers and staff in Veterans Health Affairs medical facilities resulted in increased attitudes toward, intentions to use, and actual use of HC. Methods: A Whole Health Coaching Course was developed and implemented in national sites in 2014. A pre-post intervention group only design was used to assess changes in HC outcomes, including use of HC skills. Results: There were large pre- to posttest increases in preparedness and self-efficacy that were sustained at follow-up. Initial small increases in attitudes toward patient-centered care and intentions to use HC skills were not sustained at follow-up. There was a medium-sized increase in actual use of HC skills between pre-test and follow-up. Conclusions: Findings suggest that participation in the HC course is an effective means for providers and staff to increase preparedness, self-efficacy, and actual use of health coaching skills.