TITLE:
The Impact of a Community Pharmacy-Based Coaching Program on Patient Confidence and Lifestyle
AUTHORS:
Feng Chang, Nishi S. Gupta, Laura Smith, Dan Stringer
KEYWORDS:
Diabetes Mellitus, Health Coaching, Pharmacy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.6,
June
19,
2014
ABSTRACT: Objective: Like
their urban counterparts, rural populations are experiencing increased health
risks due to chronic disease. However, disease management
is more problematic due to isolation, increased difficulty in getting to
medical appointments, and reduced numbers of medical personnel. We undertook a
pilot study to investigate the feasibility and utility of health coaching for rural
residents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) from a local pharmacy. Methods: Using the
pharmacy database to identify qualified individuals, a nursing student
recruited four individuals aged 40 - 79, with a history of DM2 of 3 - 15 years,
to participate in the pilot project. Individual in-person interviews were
conducted to identify specific goals to effectively self-manage their condition
and to rate their confidence in their ability to fulfill these goals. Three
monthly sessions were held to review and update goals, and to record blood
pressure, waist circumference and weight measurements. Results: At the end of
the study, all four achieved success in reaching and maintaining their personal dietary and physical activity goals.
Significantly, all participants expressed increased confidence in
their ability to self-manage their diabetes after health coaching. Conclusion:
The provision of health coaching services from local pharmacies has potential
to support rural clients in chronic disease management in medically
under-serviced rural areas.