Health coaching provided by registered nurses described: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Health Coaching
• Patient Self-Care

Background:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) are well-positioned to implement health coaching.
• Health coaching is a strategy to support patients in self-care, chronic illness management, and recovery.
• Existing nursing roles involve health promotion and patient education, aligning with coaching principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the literature on how and why Registered Nurses deliver health coaching.
• To identify the methods and rationale behind nursing-led health coaching interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and narrative synthesis of studies published between 2010 and 2021.
• Searches conducted across CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and PsychINFO databases.
• Quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) to assess risk of bias.

Main Results:

• The primary goal of RN-led health coaching is to optimize patient self-care.
• Coaching was commonly delivered via telephone or online, with varied approaches.
• Evidence suggests health coaching by nurses can reduce mental distress and improve pain/fatigue, though lifestyle behavior change outcomes were mixed.
• Inconclusive results highlight the need for more evidence on optimal coaching duration, focus, and training.

Conclusions:

• Registered Nurses are suitable for health coaching, particularly for self-care, chronic illness, and post-surgical recovery.
• Integrating health coaching into nursing practice can enhance patient motivation, targeting, and progress assessment.
• Expanding nursing scope to include routine self-care coaching is recommended for improved patient outcomes.