Dr. Mark Hyman was not wrong when he said “We are living in the most advanced medical system in the world, yet people are sicker than ever”. Why is that? While there are many reasons – from the Standard American Diet to our pesticide-laden soil, one major culprit is simply the way medicine is practiced. Up until recent years, we have taken a reactive approach to treating people versus a proactive one. And while we’ve got better technology and more medicines than ever, like Dr. Hyman said, we are sicker than ever. True, humans are also technically living longer than ever but those last years are usually spent in a disease state, and not very fulfilling. The good news is there is becoming more and more awareness about this issue resulting in a bigger focus on proactive medicine. 

Turning the ship on how medicine is practiced is going to take quite some time. In the meantime, some changes are occurring. One way is through the addition of health coaches to medical practices. 

As people age and begin to experience health challenges, whether personally or through the experiences of loved ones, they often start to take proactive medicine more seriously. This shift in perspective is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms. However, recognizing the need for change and actually making those changes are two different things. Habits formed over decades can be incredibly hard to break, even when faced with the consequences of poor health.

This is where health coaches play a crucial role. They provide the support, guidance, and accountability needed to help individuals make meaningful and lasting changes to their health. Health coaches work with clients to identify the underlying factors contributing to their health issues and create personalized strategies for improvement. By offering encouragement, education, and practical tools, health coaches help individuals navigate the often difficult journey of transforming long-standing habits into healthier ones.

So, while traditional healthcare models focus primarily on diagnosing and treating illness, health coaches offer a complementary approach that emphasizes prevention, behavior change, and holistic well-being. 

Here’s why health coaches are an essential addition to healthcare teams:

1. Bridging the Gap Between Care and Prevention

Healthcare clinics often face the challenge of transitioning patients from treatment to self-management. Health coaches are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by providing personalized support that extends beyond the clinical setting. They work with patients to set and achieve health goals, adopt healthier lifestyles, and manage chronic conditions effectively. This proactive approach helps reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and improves overall patient outcomes.

2. Enhancing Patient Engagement and Adherence

One of the core challenges in healthcare is ensuring that patients adhere to treatment plans and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Health coaches enhance patient engagement by offering continuous support, motivation, and education. Their role is to empower patients to take an active role in their health, which can lead to higher adherence rates and better health outcomes. By fostering a collaborative relationship, health coaches help patients overcome barriers and stay committed to their health goals.

3. Addressing the Whole Person

Traditional healthcare often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of health issues. Health coaches bring a holistic perspective to patient care, considering factors such as diet, exercise, stress, and mental well-being. By addressing these broader aspects of health, coaches help patients achieve a more comprehensive and balanced approach to their care. This whole-person perspective can lead to more effective and lasting health improvements.

4. Supporting Chronic Disease Management

Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease require ongoing management and lifestyle adjustments. Health coaches are trained to support patients in managing these conditions by providing guidance on diet, exercise, and self-care. Their personalized approach can help patients make meaningful changes that complement their medical treatment and enhance their quality of life. By working alongside healthcare providers, health coaches contribute to a more integrated and patient-centered approach to chronic disease management.

5. Improving Healthcare Efficiency

The demand for healthcare services continues to rise, and clinics are often stretched thin, with medical providers sometimes spending as little as 10 minutes with a patient. Health coaches can help improve efficiency by taking on tasks such as patient education, follow-up support, and behavior change interventions. By handling these responsibilities, health coaches free up healthcare providers to focus on clinical tasks and complex cases. This division of labor can lead to a more streamlined and effective healthcare system.

6. Promoting Wellness and Preventive Care

Health coaches play a crucial role in promoting wellness and preventive care. They educate patients on the importance of lifestyle choices and preventive measures, helping them stay healthy and avoid the development of chronic conditions. This focus on prevention not only benefits patients but also reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system by lowering the incidence of preventable illnesses.

7. Enhancing Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality. Health coaches contribute to a positive patient experience by providing personalized support, building strong relationships, and offering valuable resources. Their empathetic and patient-centered approach can improve communication, foster trust, and lead to higher levels of patient satisfaction. When patients feel supported and valued, they are more likely to have a positive view of their healthcare experience.

Integrating health coaches into healthcare clinics is a strategic move that addresses the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system. By bridging gaps in care, enhancing patient engagement, addressing the whole person, supporting chronic disease management, improving efficiency, promoting wellness, and enhancing patient satisfaction, health coaches offer a valuable contribution to patient care. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the inclusion of health coaches on staff represents a crucial step toward a more comprehensive, effective, and patient-centered approach to health and wellness.