Engaging Patients in their Health Care: Lessons From a Qualitative Study on the Processes Health Coaches Use to Support an Active Learning Paradigm.

backgroundWhile recent health-care trends rely on activated patients, few studies report direct observations of

objectiveThis study uses verbatim transcripts of medical patients' first few IHC sessions to identify the actual processes used to help patients embrace this more active learning role.

methodsA thematic analysis was conducted of 72 verbatim transcripts from IHC sessions of 26 patients with severe dysfunction from tinnitus. The patients participated in 6 months of IHC as part of a larger integrative intervention in a randomized, controlled pilot designed to assess feasibility for a larger randomized, controlled trial on the clinical effectiveness of an integrative intervention.

resultsFour themes emerged: (1) Describing the Health Coaching Process to patients; (2) Using Key Procedures for Action Planning-optimal health future self-visualization, Wheel of Health, and exploration of the gap between current and desired states to help patients set goals for themselves; (3) Supporting Action and Building Momentum-the creation and support of action steps with frequent reinforcement of self-efficacy; and (4) Active Listening and Inviting the Patient to Articulate Learning-coaches' active listening process included reflection, clarifying questions, turning patient questions back to the patients, highlighting values, identifying potential barriers and resources, and inviting patients to articulate what they were learning.

conclusionThe processes identified in IHC incorporate key principles of adult learning theory and engage patients' innate resources of goal orientation, self-direction, and intrinsic motivation. These interpersonal processes help patients embrace a more active learning role, with implications for patient engagement in other clinical contexts.