Group Health Coaching: Strengths, Challenges, and Next Steps

Abstract

There is great need for cost effective approaches to increase patient engagement and improve health and well-being. Health and wellness coaching has recently demonstrated great promise, but the majority of studies to date have focused on individual coaching (ie, one coach with one client). Newer initiatives are bringing a group coaching model from corporate leadership development and educational settings into the healthcare arena. A group approach potentially increases cost-effective access to a larger number of clients and brings the possible additional benefit of group support. This article highlights some of the group coaching approaches currently being conducted across the United States. The group coaching interventions included in this overview are offered by a variety of academic and private sector institutions, use both telephonic and in-person coaching, and are facilitated by professionally trained health and wellness coaches as well as trained peer coaches. Strengths and challenges experienced in these efforts are summarized, as are recommendations to address those challenges. A working definition of “Group Health and Wellness Coaching” is proposed, and important next steps for research and for the training of group coaches are presented.

A Systematic Review of the Literature on Health and Wellness Coaching: Defining a Key Behavioral intervention in Healthcare

“…The value of human connection to facilitate deep learning is well-described in other evidence bases. 101 In the health and wellness coaching literature, qualitative studies have noted the power of interpersonal support in building courage to try new behaviors, 102 in strengthening a sense of accountability toward the other person (coach), 103,104 and in developing a sense of empowerment. 92 Additionally, interpersonal interactions may be necessary for participants to move from cognitive understanding of ambivalence, motivators, and barriers to change to a deeper, "felt sense" understanding more likely to sustain behavior.…”

“…92 Additionally, interpersonal interactions may be necessary for participants to move from cognitive understanding of ambivalence, motivators, and barriers to change to a deeper, "felt sense" understanding more likely to sustain behavior. 81,101 The potential role of relationship in this emerging approach remains an important area for further exploration.…”

Health Coaching Case Report: Optimizing Employee Health and Wellbeing in Organizations

“…The majority of literature and research on health and wellbeing coaching has centered around individual health coaching, however, group coaching is also showing potential. Group coaching is cost effective for organizations, creates a "sense of community" to support positive change and engagement, encourages accountability, and may help foster overall wellbeing of the members (Armstrong, et al, 2013). Though there are few differences in how health and wellness coaching is delivered individually versus a group, the core foundation of the profession remains the same.…”

Effect of Using Emotional Intelligence, Wellness, and Leadership Training on Lived Experiences of Medical Program Directors Burnout

“…It utilizes innate strengths and abilities and help individuals maximize them to reach their true potential (25). Group coaching is also an effective modality as it has shown to be a cost-effective approach to enhance change among several individuals simultaneously (26). Using coaching techniques that focus on improving self-awareness, self-care, self-compassion, and boundary setting have led to behavioral changes among physician and improved patient care (27).…”