• Zora Djuric, Michelle Segar, Carissa Orizondo, Jeffrey Mann, Maya Faison, Nithin Peddireddy, Matthew Paletta, and Amy Locke.
• From the Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (ZD, CO, JM, MF, NP, MP); Sport, Health, and Activity Research and Policy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (MS); and the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (AL). zoralong@umich.edu.
• J Am Board Fam Med. 2017 May 1; 30 (3): 362370362-370.

BackgroundHealth 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.MethodsTwo medical assistants were provided with brief training. The 12-week program consisted of telephone coaching with in-person visits at the beginning and end of the program. Coaching targeted improvements in diet, physical activity, and/or sleep habits using a self-care planning form.ResultsA total of 82 subjects enrolled in the program, 72% completed 8 weeks and 49% completed 12 weeks. Subjects who completed assessments at 12 weeks had significant weight loss despite the fact that weight loss was not a study goal. There also were improvements in diet and physical activity. Subject who completed the study were highly satisfied with the program and felt that health coaching should be available in all family medicine clinics. The main barrier providers voiced was remembering to refer patients. The medical providers indicated high satisfaction with the study and valued having coaching available for their patients.ConclusionsMedical assistants can be trained to assist patients with lifestyle changes that are associated with improved health and weight control.© Copyright 2017 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

35 keywords...

hide…