Enhancing Group Coaching Competencies in the National Diabetes Prevention Program: Evaluation of the Group Coaching...

Area of Science:

• Health Coaching
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Lifestyle Coaches are essential for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP).
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) to enhance coach training.
• A need existed for specialized group coaching training for coaches in lifestyle change programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, coach satisfaction, and impact of the Group Coaching Certificate Program (GCCP).
• To empower National DPP Lifestyle Coaches with evidence-based group health and wellness coaching practices.
• To refine the GCCP through field testing.

Main Methods:

• The Group Coaching Certificate Program (GCCP) underwent 4 field tests.
• Program evaluation focused on training implementation feasibility, coach satisfaction, and impact on coaches.
• Data collected included trainee completion rates, satisfaction surveys, final exam scores, and self-rated skill changes.

Main Results:

• The GCCP demonstrated 85% trainee completion rate, indicating feasibility.
• Coaches reported high satisfaction, with 87.5% meeting expectations and 95% likely to recommend.
• Significant gains in group coaching skills were observed, with an average final exam score of 87%.

Conclusions:

• The Group Coaching Certificate Program (GCCP) is a feasible and impactful training for National DPP Lifestyle Coaches.
• Coaches acquired enhanced knowledge and skills in NBHWC-endorsed group coaching competencies.
• Future research should explore the program's generalizability and impact on participant health outcomes.