Health Coaching for Cardiovascular Disease

Overseen By Maryanna Klatt, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Must not be taking: Antipsychotics, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Cognitive disorders, Major psychiatric, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 16 weeks

72 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

For patients discharged with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease coronary artery disease resulting in myocardial infarction and/or congestive heart failure, this study will evaluate if the addition of 12 virtual health coaching sessions over the course of 16 weeks will improve physiological, psychological, and social health outcomes, prove acceptable and satisfactory for these patients with CVD, decrease CVD-related questions and concerns sent to the provider via MyChart, and reduce hospital readmission rates over a 90-day period as compared to patients discharged with the same diagnosis who receive standard post-discharge care. The study will also evaluate the perceptions of physician and advanced practice providers related to the health coach as part of the interprofessional team and the amount of time spent addressing CVD-related patient questions and concerns via MyChart messages.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your medications, as the study focuses on health coaching rather than medication changes.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Health Coaching for Cardiovascular Disease?

Research shows that health coaching can help people with cardiovascular risk factors improve their physical activity, diet, and stress management, which are important for heart health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is health coaching safe for humans?

Health coaching has been shown to be safe and well-accepted in various studies, including those involving cardiovascular disease risk factors. It involves non-medical personnel providing support and encouragement for behavior change, and has been successfully tested in different settings with high acceptance and feasibility among participants. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How does health coaching differ from other treatments for cardiovascular disease?

Health coaching is unique because it focuses on helping patients manage their own health through lifestyle changes and behavior modification, rather than relying solely on medication. It involves regular support and encouragement from a coach, which can be tailored to cultural needs, making it a personalized and cost-effective approach to reducing cardiovascular risk. ^{1 6 9 10 11}

Research Team

Beth Steinberg, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for patients recently discharged with cardiovascular diseases like heart attack or heart failure. Participants should have had a myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure and be willing to attend virtual health coaching sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Physical condition effectively managed by routine healthcare and not requiring urgent medical attention

I have heart disease that led to a heart attack and/or heart failure.

Ability to communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria

Resident of extended care/skilled facility

Prisoners or ward of state

Current alcohol or drug dependency

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 12 virtual health coaching sessions over 16 weeks post-discharge

16 weeks

12 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including hospital readmissions and MyChart messages

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Health Coaching

Trial Overview The study tests if adding 12 virtual health coaching sessions over 16 weeks can improve health outcomes, patient satisfaction, reduce questions to providers via MyChart, and lower hospital readmission rates compared to standard care after discharge.

Participant Groups

Group I: Health Coaching Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 12 health coaching sessions post-discharge over a 16 week period

Group II: Standard Care Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive usual post-discharge care over the 16 week period

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Findings from Research

Patients referred to health coaching by their physician were much more likely to enroll (21.0% vs 6.0%) and complete the program (8.5% vs 2.7%) compared to those identified through insurer outreach, highlighting the importance of physician involvement in patient engagement.

Both groups showed significant improvements in health risk levels after health coaching, indicating that health coaching can effectively reduce health risks regardless of the referral source, but physician referrals greatly enhance participation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Physician Referral to Health Coaching on Patient Engagement and Health Risks: An Observational Study of UPMC's Prescription for Wellness. Parkinson, MD., Hammonds, T., Keyser, DJ., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 441 low-income patients with poorly controlled chronic conditions, those who received 12 months of health coaching showed a significant increase in trust towards their primary care providers compared to those receiving usual care.

The increase in trust was measured using the Trust in Physician Scale, with health coaching resulting in a mean trust level increase of 3.9 compared to 1.5 in the usual care group, suggesting that integrating health coaches into primary care could strengthen patient-provider relationships.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does health coaching change patients' trust in their primary care provider? Thom, DH., Hessler, D., Willard-Grace, R., et al.[2022]

This review analyzed five studies on life coaching interventions in healthcare, finding that while the evidence is limited, some patients, particularly those who typically do not respond well to standard interventions, showed promising improvements in health outcomes like HbA1c levels.

The studies suggest that life coaching may enhance self-efficacy and self-empowerment, indicating that alternative communication and approaches in patient care can lead to better engagement and outcomes for disadvantaged patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can life coaching improve health outcomes?--A systematic review of intervention studies. Ammentorp, J., Uhrenfeldt, L., Angel, F., et al.[2022]

A culturally specific health coaching program for South Asians effectively engages participants in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, with 1,051 individuals completing at least one year of coaching out of 3,132 candidates.

The program shows low attrition rates and utilizes non-medically trained coaches, making it a cost-effective strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention, although further research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of cultural adaptations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A culturally specific health coaching program targeting cardiovascular disease risk in South Asians: rationale, design, and baseline data. Sathe, A., Flowers, E., Mathur, A., et al.[2013]

The Health Coaching Program, tested by 20 family doctors over 12 months, successfully engaged 91% of invited patients, demonstrating high acceptance and feasibility among both patients and physicians.

Of the patients who participated, 37% completed all four steps of the program, and about 50% achieved a positive behavior change, indicating the program's effectiveness in promoting health behavior improvements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Health counseling in primary care doctors' offices: a new wind! The Health Coaching Program of the Swiss College of Primary Care Medicine]. Neuner-Jehle, S., Grüninger, U., Schmid, M.[2015]

Health coaching is being tested by Medicare as a method to help patients with chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure and diabetes improve their self-management and lifestyle changes.

This approach aims to prevent hospitalizations, making it a promising strategy for home health providers to support patients in managing their conditions effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health coaching: a new and exciting technique to enhance patient self-management and improve outcomes. Huffman, M.[2019]

References

1. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of health coaching on behavioral modification among adults with cardiovascular risk factors: Systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Physician Referral to Health Coaching on Patient Engagement and Health Risks: An Observational Study of UPMC's Prescription for Wellness. [2021]

3. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does health coaching change patients' trust in their primary care provider? [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can life coaching improve health outcomes?--A systematic review of intervention studies. [2022]

5. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving awareness, accountability, and access through health coaching: qualitative study of patients' perspectives. [2018]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A culturally specific health coaching program targeting cardiovascular disease risk in South Asians: rationale, design, and baseline data. [2013]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reversing social disadvantage in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. [2014]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Health counseling in primary care doctors' offices: a new wind! The Health Coaching Program of the Swiss College of Primary Care Medicine]. [2015]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching Patients Saves Lives and Money. [2019]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effectiveness of telephone-based health coaching for heart failure patients: A post-only randomised controlled trial. [2018]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health coaching: a new and exciting technique to enhance patient self-management and improve outcomes. [2019]