The Effectiveness of Wellness Coaching for Improving Quality of Life

doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.04.028

Mayo Clinic Proceedings

Volume 89, Issue 11, November 2014, Pages 1537-1544

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.04.028 Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective

To learn more about the potential psychosocial benefits of wellness coaching. Although wellness coaching is increasing in popularity, there are few published outcome studies.

Patients and Methods

In a single-cohort study design, 100 employees who completed the 12-week wellness coaching program were of a mean age of 42 years, 90% were women, and most were overweight or obese. Three areas of psychosocial functioning were assessed: quality of life (QOL; 5 domains and overall), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and perceived stress level (Perceived Stress Scale-10). Participants were recruited from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011; data were collected up to July 31, 2012, and were analyzed from August 1, 2012, through October 31, 2013.

Results

These 100 wellness coaching completers exhibited significant improvements in all 5 domains of QOL and overall QOL (P<.0001), reduced their level of depressive symptoms (P<.0001), and reduced their perceived stress level (P<.001) after 12 weeks of in-person wellness coaching, and they maintained these improvements at the 24-week follow-up.

Conclusion

In this single-arm cohort study (level 2b evidence), participating in wellness coaching was associated with improvement in 3 key areas of psychosocial functioning: QOL, mood, and perceived stress level. The results from this single prospective cohort study suggest that these areas of functioning improve after participating in wellness coaching; however, randomized clinical trials involving large samples of diverse individuals are needed to establish level 1 evidence for wellness coaching.

Section snippets

Wellness Coaching Program

Wellness coaching at the employee wellness center is a confidential partnership that focuses on the member taking action, which moves him or her toward optimum health. Wellness coaches at the employee wellness center have 4-year degrees and received training and certification from the Mayo Clinic Wellness Coaching Training Program.¹⁴ The wellness coaching training platform engages learners through Web-based distance learning, on-site course instruction, and peer-to-peer practice coaching

Results

A total of 130 participants were recruited and enrolled in the study; of these, 100 participants completed at least 9 wellness coaching sessions and provided data at 12 weeks and 92 participants provided follow-up data at 24 weeks. The completion rate for wellness coaching in this project (77%) is similar to the completion rates of other wellness coaching studies (72%,⁵ 83%,⁸ 88%²⁴). The 100 wellness coaching completers were the primary focus of these analyses. The majority (90%) were female

Discussion

In this single-arm cohort study of 100 participants who completed a 12-week in-person wellness coaching program, individuals reported significant improvements (P<.0001) in 3 areas of psychosocial functioning: QOL, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress level. Health behavior changes often have a high relapse rate, and participants in this project maintained these improvements at the 24-week follow-up. These findings support the growing level 2 evidence for behavioral health benefits

Conclusion

In this single-arm cohort study, participants who completed a 12-session in-person wellness coaching program reported significant improvements in their QOL, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress level. These findings provide level 2 evidence for wellness coaching; however, further investigation of wellness coaching using large randomized controlled trials with diverse populations that include a direct measurement of health behaviors is warranted to potentially establish level 1 evidence for

Acknowledgment

We thank Denise R. Lecy, Administrative Assistant, Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, Mayo Clinic, for her assistance with manuscript preparation and submission.

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Original articleThe Effectiveness of Wellness Coaching for Improving Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Section snippets

Wellness Coaching Program

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Acknowledgment

Am J Prev Med

Heart Lung Circ

Lung Cancer

J Pain Symptom Manage

Prev Med

Coaching for behavior change in physiatry

Am J Phys Med Rehabil

Climbing out of negativity and up to the top of mount lasting change

ACSMs Health Fit J

The role of health and wellness coaching in worksite health promotion

Am J Health Promot

Coaching patients On Achieving Cardiovascular Health (COACH): a multicenter randomized trial in patients with coronary heart disease

Arch Intern Med

Adapted motivational interviewing for increasing physical activity: a 12 month clinical trial

Diss Abstr Int

Comparative effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in clinical practice

N Engl J Med

Is usage of a wellness center associated with improved quality of life?

Am J Health Promot

Original article
The Effectiveness of Wellness Coaching for Improving Quality of Life