Health Coach Talk: Conversations About Wellness Through Functional Medicine Coaching

Research continues to support the feasibility and effectiveness of health coaching. The results are suggesting a greater level of immerging value.  Listen as Dr. Sandi, FMCA Founder and CEO, summarizes three studies (RCTs) with health coaching as the intervention addressing lifestyle factors: improving risk management and combatting chronic conditions. Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies. FMCA is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither medical advice nor a statement of FMCA policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by FMCA. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed during the podcast do not necessarily reflect the view of FMCA or any of its officials.

The acceptance and growth of the Health Coach industry is credited to the influx of research. The value is clear when you provide impact evidence supporting the effectiveness of coaching intervention. But, how do you know which study or journal is a trusted resource? Listen as Dr. Sandi, FMCA Founder and CEO, provides insight into evaluating reports and why it's significant. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are considered the gold standard because they deliver the highest level of evidence, due to their potential to limit bias and subjective influence. References 1. Effectiveness of Short-Term Health Coaching on Diabetes Control and Self-Management Efficacy: A Quasi-Experimental Trial https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00314/full 2. A personalized multi-interventional approach focusing on customized nutrition, progressive fitness, and lifestyle modification resulted in the reduction of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and weight in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36419152/ 3. Effectiveness of a Health Coaching Intervention for Patient-Family Dyads to Improve Outcomes Among Adults With Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36374502/ Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

With Health Coaches, your patients feel respected and heard, versus being told what to do. Dr. Paula Kruppstadt and Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum emphasize the impact of lifestyle changes, especially nutrition, and sustainable treatments through the inclusion of Health Coaches. Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

Health Coaching is changing the client conversation from What are you going to do for me? to What can we achieve together? Kara Ware and Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum discuss an innovative system design that supports the providers and patients to work within a successful, equal, therapeutic partnership. Health Coaches are regarded as equally important and necessary in a collaborative care team. Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

Foundational data to support standardization within the health coaching industry. Kasia Smith @ Pillar with Dr. Sandi discuss the latest industry report "The State of Health Coaching" - a cross-sectional research study assessing the state of health coaching today. The report sheds light on the professionalization of coaching and data on this growing workforce of allied health professionals, with training approved by the National Board of Medical Examiners.  Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

"I can't think of one example where you can be successful alone. Unless we are able to coach our patients to change their habits or implement the guidance given by their doctors, their lifestyles will not change. It takes teamwork. " – Dr. Sibal Dr. Priti Nanda Sibal with Dr. Sandi connect in this energetic and inspiring conversation. Listen, as the dynamics of health as a priority, unfold through the perspectives of each industry influencer. Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

New approaches including Health Coaches in wellness environments continue to rise. Join Dr. Sandi, FMCA CEO and Founder, as she highlights more growth in the health coaching landscape. Each example gives an inspiring view into emerging possibilities. Supported by data-driven, science-based research, and published studies.

Implementation: How we can shift into a value-based healthcare system. Johannes R. Fisslinger with Dr. Sandi connect in an inspiring conversation about reprioritizing our healthcare focus. Shifting our perspective to include three value-based components: prevention, life-style medicine, and health coaching. We are not lacking in information, but in IMPLEMENTATION. "We need about 100,00 well-paid health coaches in the U.S. alone. If we had that, we can totally transform healthcare."

The findings are consistent. In studies using randomized controlled trials (RCT), which provide quantitative evidence, show that health coaching works! [link] Making a Difference.pdf [link] Long-term Weight Loss in a Primary Care-Anchored eHealth Lifestyle Coaching Program: Randomized Controlled Trial [link] Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a single-arm, remotely-delivered health coaching intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior during pregnancy FMCA is leading the conversation of expanding awareness to the benefits of this industry. Through data-driven, science-based research, and published studies, evidence shows the positive impacts have a ripple effect. Benefits of health coaching extend beyond the client. Practitioners and health care communities receive much-needed support with post-diagnosis care. Health coaches provide accessible pathways to improving overall well-being.

"The community builds itself, and they start connecting, and the coach is holding the container." Elizabeth McHugh with Dr. Sandi connect in an inspiring view of coaching in groups. Demystifying personal boundaries and championing this affordable approach, the focus is on coaching with curiosity and humility, rather than a need to control. Group coaching is being able to sit in that objective space and allow to see what happens.