Health Coaching for Veteran Reintegration

Overseen By Katie McDonald, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Institutionalized, Cognitive impairment, Psychosis, Suicide risk, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 4 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how health coaching can assist Veterans who have recently left military service in transitioning smoothly to civilian life. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of health coaching for these individuals and identify any challenges in implementing the program. Participants will receive either up to 12 health coaching sessions or printed information about VA benefits. This trial suits U.S. Veterans who have recently separated from military service and are not currently living in institutions or experiencing severe mental health issues. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support services for their peers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on health coaching, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that health coaching is safe for reintegrating Veterans?

Research has shown that health coaching is generally easy for people to handle. A review of studies on health coaching for adults with long-term health issues found it can help individuals reach their health goals, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. These studies reported no major safety concerns.

For Veterans, health coaching has helped them adjust to life after military service. This approach has demonstrated benefits, such as lowering stress and enhancing overall well-being. Again, no significant safety issues have been noted.

Since this trial involves health coaching, a supportive and non-invasive method, there is little risk of negative effects. It focuses on guidance and personal growth rather than medical treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about health coaching for veteran reintegration because it offers a personalized, holistic approach that goes beyond traditional methods. Unlike standard care that may focus solely on medical or psychological interventions, health coaching provides up to 12 sessions tailored to individual needs, promoting overall well-being. This method empowers veterans by combining personalized coaching with information on VA benefits, aiming to enhance their reintegration experience comprehensively. The direct engagement and support could lead to better outcomes in adapting to civilian life, making it a promising addition to existing support structures.

What evidence suggests that health coaching is effective for reintegrating veterans?

Research has shown that health coaching, which participants in this trial may receive, can help veterans improve their health. Studies have found that health coaching supports individuals with long-term health issues by focusing on personal goals and actions. Early evidence suggests it may assist veterans in managing pain and other difficulties by providing tailored support. Health coaching is also linked to better health and well-being by helping individuals set and achieve personal goals. Overall, the data supports health coaching as a valuable tool for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Another arm of this trial will provide participants with printed materials about VA benefits, serving as an active comparator. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lauren M. Denneson, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for U.S. military veterans who have recently separated from service and are navigating the transition back to civilian life. They must be able to read and understand English, not live in an institution like a nursing home or prison, not currently experiencing psychosis or at acute risk for suicide, and without significant cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria

United States military Veterans recently separated from service

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive impairment as indicated by a score equal to or greater than 10 on the Short Blessed Test

Currently experiencing psychosis as indicated by endorsing thought interference or hallucinations on the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire

At acute risk for suicide as indicated by the P4 screener

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive up to 12 sessions of health coaching and printed materials on VA benefits

4 months

Up to 12 sessions (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

5 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Health Coaching

Trial Overview The trial is testing whether health coaching can help reintegrating veterans by focusing on their goals and values as they adjust to civilian life. It will also assess how feasible and acceptable this approach is among the participants, evaluate measures for future trials, and identify any barriers or facilitators.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Health Coaching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Receipt of up to 12 sessions of health coaching, plus printed materials providing information on VA benefits

Group II: VA Benefits Information Active Control 1 Intervention

Receipt of printed materials providing information on VA benefits

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

350+

University of Michigan

Collaborator

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37278999/

Effect of a Peer Health Coaching Intervention on Clinical ... Objective: To test the effectiveness of a home-visit, peer health coaching intervention to improve health outcomes for veterans with multiple ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05199467?term=military%20veteran&viewType=Table&rank=4

Health Coaching: A Pilot Trial Among Reintegrating Veterans This pilot study is designed to provide data to inform the design and procedures of a future efficacy trial of health coaching among reintegrating Veterans. An ...

3. hsrd.research.va.gov hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/management_briefs/default.cfm?ManagementBriefsMenu=eBrief-no128&eBriefTitle=The+Effectiveness+of+Health+Coaching

The Effectiveness of Health Coaching This systematic review evaluated the effects of health coaching interventions among adults with chronic medical conditions on clinical, behavioral, and self- ...

4. trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-023-07113-6

Randomized controlled trial protocol of health coaching for ... There is initial evidence that health coaching may be efficacious in treating pain-CMI because it can be tailored to the veteran's goals and ...

5. journal-veterans-studies.org journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v11i1.638

The Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Employment ... This study outlines existing evidence of the health and wellbeing impacts of employment and vocational-based interventions.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7940726/

How VA Whole Health Coaching Can Impact Veterans ... Whole Health Coaching can help participants make meaningful progress toward health goals, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714422003913

Integrating data analytics, peer support, and whole health ... Integrating data analytics, peer support, and whole health coaching to improve the health outcomes of homeless veterans: Study protocol for an effectiveness- ...

8. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-10-2022-70d3e

Health Coaching for Veteran Reintegration Trial Overview The trial is testing whether health coaching can help reintegrating veterans by focusing on their goals and values as they adjust to civilian ...