Health Coaching for Healthy Aging

Overseen By Kathleen Potempa, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Recent ER visit, New major health problem, Incurable illness, Memory issues, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 20 weeks

120 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

HealthyLifetime (HL) is a person-centered program that enables older adults to maximize health and optimize functioning - the necessary requisite to successfully remaining independent in their preferred home setting as long as possible, i.e., to age in place.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Nurse-led health coaching for healthy aging?

Research shows that nurse-led interventions can improve physical health and quality of life in people with severe mental illness, and nurse coaching has been effective in managing type 2 diabetes by promoting lifestyle changes. These findings suggest that similar approaches could be beneficial for healthy aging. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is health coaching safe for participants?

Health coaching, including nurse-led and wellness coaching, is generally considered safe for participants. It is a patient-centered approach that helps individuals manage their health, and there is no evidence in the research articles suggesting any safety concerns. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How is the 'Health Coaching for Healthy Aging' treatment different from other treatments for healthy aging?

Health coaching is unique because it focuses on changing behaviors through goal-setting, education, and encouragement, rather than using medications. It often involves nurse coaches who help individuals make lifestyle changes to improve overall health and well-being, which is different from traditional medical treatments that may focus more on medication or direct medical interventions. ^{7 8 9 10 11}

Research Team

Kathleen Potempa, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults who want to stay healthy and independent at home. Participants must speak English, be able to communicate their personal details, have a computer or tablet with internet, camera, and mic, and know how to use video chat in a private space.

Inclusion Criteria

I can provide my personal details and explain my health issues.

Have their own computer or iPad (Tablet) with an Internet connection, a working camera and microphone

Be able to use their computer/tablet to connect to video chat sessions like Zoom in a private space in their home or a private room

Exclusion Criteria

Do not have, or cannot use, a computer, iPad or other device with the Internet at home to use Zoom (e.g., internet streaming)

I have visited the ER or been hospitalized in the last month.

Are not verified users of Medicaid Home Help services

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in the HealthyLifetime program to improve self-care capacity and health-related problem solving

20 weeks

Regular check-ins at 0, 8, and 20 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health behaviors and quality of life

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Nurse-led health coaching

Trial Overview The Healthy Lifetime program focuses on nurse-led health coaching aimed at helping seniors maintain their health and function so they can live independently in their homes for as long as possible.

Participant Groups

Group I: HealthyLifetime Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This project is designed to prepare and equip the participant for improved self-care capacity, motivational insight, health-related problem solving and decision-making.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

10,900+

Findings from Research

A nurse-led intervention program significantly improved physical health and quality of life in 33 individuals with severe mental illness, leading to reduced waist circumference and increased physical activity and nutrition behaviors.

In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in health metrics or quality of life, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted nursing interventions in promoting healthier lifestyles.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a nurse-led intervention program on the physical health and quality of life of individuals with severe mental illness. Çelik İnce, S., Partlak Günüşen, N.[2021]

A survey of 164 certified nurse coaches revealed that they frequently address conditions like anxiety/stress, cardiometabolic issues, and pain, indicating their role in managing diverse health challenges.

Nurse coaches reported significant personal benefits, including improved health behaviors and job satisfaction, suggesting that coaching not only enhances patient care but also positively impacts the coaches' own well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results of a national survey of certified nurse coaches with implications for advanced practice nurses. Ross, A., Brooks, AT., Yang, L., et al.[2019]

Coaching, particularly through a combination of in-person and telecoaching sessions, has been shown to effectively reduce body measurements and enhance motivation and satisfaction in patients seeking weight loss, based on a review of 13 studies.

The study suggests that coaching is a cost-effective approach that integrates education and treatment for weight loss, but further randomized studies are necessary to confirm its impact on chronic disease indicators.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching and barriers to weight loss: an integrative review. Muñoz Obino, KF., Aguiar Pereira, C., Caron-Lienert, RS.[2022]

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]

The nurse coaching intervention, which included educational reinforcement and psychosocial support, led to modest improvements in health-promoting behaviors and a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Participants showed significant psychosocial adaptation, suggesting that individualized nursing care after diabetes education can enhance health outcomes and quality of life for newly diagnosed patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The content, integrity, and efficacy of a nurse coaching intervention in type 2 diabetes. Whittemore, R., Chase, S., Mandle, CL., et al.[2018]

There is a growing demand for health and wellness coaches in workplace health promotion, leading to many training programs that vary widely in their definitions and content.

The National Society of Health Coaches, supported by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, emphasizes the need for clear standards and responsibilities in health coaching to ensure public safety and awareness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Advancing the Practice of Health Coaching: Differentiation From Wellness Coaching. Huffman, MH.[2017]

Nurses can significantly impact patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by utilizing health coaching as a strategy to enhance health literacy in patients with hypertension.

Health coaching empowers patients by improving their understanding of medications and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for effective self-management of their hypertension.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using health coaching to improve patients' BP management. Higgins, K., Scott, MA.[2019]

Health coaching is an innovative strategy for occupational health nurses that effectively engages individuals in changing unhealthy behaviors, leading to improved health outcomes.

This approach not only enhances compliance with health recommendations but also helps reduce healthcare costs, addressing the limitations of traditional health interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health coaching: a fresh approach for improving health outcomes and reducing costs. Huffman, MH.[2019]

A review of 13 studies on nurse coaching interventions for patients with chronic conditions found that nearly all (11 out of 13) reported statistically significant positive health outcomes.

Nurse coaching is being recognized as a valuable complement to traditional Western medicine, suggesting it can enhance patient care and management of chronic illnesses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of the effectiveness of nurse coaching in improving health outcomes in chronic conditions. Vincent, AE., Sanchez Birkhead, AC.[2013]

Nurse coaches are taking on the role of advocates for health by focusing on environmental and social factors that influence health, aligning with the principles established by Florence Nightingale.

There is a growing demand for nurse coaches to implement evidence-based strategies that promote health and support lifestyle changes, leading to new job opportunities across various health sectors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Professional Nurse Coaching: Advances in National and Global Healthcare transformation. Dossey, BM., Hess, D.[2021]

A review of 13 studies on health coaching combined with telehealth for older adults showed that 10 of these studies reported effective outcomes, such as reduced hospital admissions and improved quality of life.

While telehealth health coaching is a promising method for managing chronic conditions in older adults, most interventions still rely on human coaches, indicating a potential for further development of automated coaching technologies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Use of Telehealth Technology to Support Health Coaching for Older Adults: Literature Review. Markert, C., Sasangohar, F., Mortazavi, BJ., et al.[2021]

References

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

Effect of a nurse-led intervention program on the physical health and quality of life of individuals with severe mental illness. [2021]

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

Results of a national survey of certified nurse coaches with implications for advanced practice nurses. [2019]

3. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching and barriers to weight loss: an integrative review. [2022]

4. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

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

The content, integrity, and efficacy of a nurse coaching intervention in type 2 diabetes. [2018]

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

Advancing the Practice of Health Coaching: Differentiation From Wellness Coaching. [2017]

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

Using health coaching to improve patients' BP management. [2019]

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

Health coaching: a fresh approach for improving health outcomes and reducing costs. [2019]

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

Evaluation of the effectiveness of nurse coaching in improving health outcomes in chronic conditions. [2013]

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

Professional Nurse Coaching: Advances in National and Global Healthcare transformation. [2021]

11. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Use of Telehealth Technology to Support Health Coaching for Older Adults: Literature Review. [2021]