Learning health coaching techniques has given me additional skills that complemented my existing enthusiasm and expertise for my clinical area of supporting self-management in those with long term or neurological conditions.
I identified a training need for staff working in the new care model to further develop their skills in health behaviour change. They had already completed the NHS House of Care training, this was the logical next step. Being a vanguard site gave us the chance to implement health coaching as a fundamental part of a new model of care being developed and implemented across primary, secondary and community care.
I have now trained a large number of people in health coaching skills from a wide variety of backgrounds including primary, secondary and community care. I also a successfully supported the creation of a brand new role for a primary care based health coach.
Some patients have found it initially challenging to be exposed to a completely different approach and expectations, however there is substantial positive feedback, and changes in health behaviour.
It is certainly one aspect of the new care model in Somerset that has made a difference to the sustainability of healthcare locally. Based on CSU data for the South Somerset registered population at all providers:
How talk can change our lives,
Theodore Zeldin
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