By Jenny Tinmouth
17/08/2023
The Crucial Role of Health Coaches in Medical Care
Health and Wellness Coaching plays an essential role in enhancing and supporting ongoing clinical or medical interventions. By offering emotional support, and practical guidance, Health Coaches act as a valuable bridge between clinicians and patients, ensuring effective communication and patient empowerment.
I recently came across an enlightening talk titled 'Staying in the Coach Lane' by Dr. Michael Arloski. It covered the What, How, and Why of Health and Wellness Coaching, shedding light on the Coach's essential role.
My takeaways
Medical Practitioners and treatment professionals provide the WHAT:
WHAT the problem is through diagnosis.
WHAT needs to be done through treatment recommendations.
On the other hand, Coaches partner with the client on the HOW:
HOW to effectively integrate the WHATS into their lifestyle.
HOW to work towards the best achievable outcomes.
HOW to offer the best support throughout the journey.
HOW to capitalise on successes and learnings for continued progress.
The Role of Health Coaches: Health and Wellness Coaching complements ongoing clinical or medical interventions for clients.
Helping clients effectively integrate medical recommendations into their lifestyles.
Guiding clients towards achieving the best possible outcomes.
Offering unwavering support throughout the wellness journey.
Capitalising on successes and learnings to ensure continuous progress.
Bridging the Gap
Health Coaches play an important role in bridging the gap between medical interventions and lifestyle choices.
Bridging the Communication Gap
Health Coaches foster understanding, awareness, and agreement with care plans. By providing medical language insight, they can help reduce barriers, leading to better patient outcomes.
Empowering Self-Management and Well-Being
Health Coaches enable clients to navigate their unique healthcare journey and to take control of their well-being. They promote behaviour change and teach coping strategies to manage the emotional impacts, steering them towards personalised strategies, resilience, and achievable change.
Continuous Support
Health Coaches are available throughout the patient's journey, connecting frequently and providing support between visits. They act as accessible points of contact, offering a sense of continuity and security. Their familiar presence establishes trust, alleviating fears and anxieties.
In Summary
Health Coaching brings unique and indispensable expertise in patient care, serving as a supportive bridge between clinicians and patients. By providing continuous support, promoting patient empowerment, and offering guidance (Not Medical Advice) throughout the healthcare journey, Health Coaches contribute significantly to patient well-being and positive health outcomes.
“The greatest wealth is health.”
Virgil
This article is for information purposes only and should not be treated as a professional opinion or advice. The content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, accurate, or error-free and is not offered as a substitute for professional advice. By reading this blog, you acknowledge and agree that any actions you take based on the provided information or channels are executed at your own risk.