The Effectiveness of Health Coaching
Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and hypertension are highly prevalent among VA healthcare system users. Among VA patients, 72% have one or more chronic medical conditions (compared with 40% to 50% of other U.S. adults), and more than half have at least 2 chronic conditions. The management of chronic medical conditions is a time-consuming process for primary care physicians. One study found that it would take 828 hours per year to provide the required care for the top 10 chronic diseases. Thus, patients are increasingly being asked to take an active role in the self-management of their chronic medical conditions. Yet many patients leave a physician encounter confused about what to do to manage their own health due to conflicting and contradictory information.
