The effects of health coaching on frequent attenders' adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors: a quasi-experimental study

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nurse-led health coaching on adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors among frequent attenders in primary health care. Methods One hundred and ten patients were enrolled in the quasi-experimental study. The experimental group (n = 52) received nurse-led health coaching and the control group (n = 58) received conventional care at primary healthcare centres between 2015 and 2016. Data were collected before the intervention and 12 months afterwards using a questionnaire on adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors. The intervention consisted of individual health coaching provided by a nurse, health-coaching sessions, and a written action plan. Results Frequent attenders exhibited good adherence to health regimens. After the intervention, there were no significant differences in adherence to health regimens and/or lifestyle factors between the experimental and control groups. However, nurse-led health coaching improved adherence to health regimens and physical activity in the experimental group. Conclusion Nurse-led health coaching appears to promote participation and adherence to health regimens among frequent attenders at primary healthcare facilities. Before starting the health-coaching programme, it is recommended to carefully specify the content of health coaching and test the nurses' health-coaching competence.