Are Low-Income Peer Health Coaches Able to Master and Utilize Evidence-Based Health Coaching?

Area of Science:

• Health Coaching
• Diabetes Management
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Peer health coaching interventions have shown promise in improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• Understanding the training efficacy for peer coaches from similar socioeconomic backgrounds is crucial for program scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mastery and utilization of an evidence-based health coaching curriculum by low-income peer coaches with diabetes.
• To assess the impact of training on peer coaches' confidence and application of learned techniques.

Main Methods:

• Exams administered to assess trainee knowledge.
• Exit surveys and in-depth interviews with peer coaches (completers and dropouts).
• Observations of peer coaching sessions with patients.

Main Results:

• 81% of trainees passed comprehensive exams, demonstrating mastery of the curriculum.
• Trainees who passed attended more training sessions.
• Coaches expressed confidence in their abilities but did not consistently apply all learned techniques in practice.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based health coaching training is effective for low-income patients with diabetes, enabling them to become peer health coaches.
• While coaches gain confidence and knowledge, consistent application of all learned techniques requires further support and reinforcement.