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Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 16 ratings
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Kelsey Pruss

For health practitioners, having knowledge of treatment protocols is not enough. They must be able to inspire behavior change in their patients. In order for the treatment to be effective patients must be empowered to implement therapeutic approaches in their lives.

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For health practitioners, having knowledge of treatment protocols is not enough. They must be able to inspire behavior change in their patients. In order for the treatment to be effective patients must be empowered to implement therapeutic approaches in their lives.

In this course, you will learn about health coaching, which is an effective method for helping patients change their behaviors. Health coaching uses a blend of evidence-based strategies, interventions and communication to actively and safely engage patients. You will learn the core components of health coaching that can be applied to patient care, such as positive psychology, motivation, establishing trust and goal setting.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recognize why health and wellness coaching is important.
  • Demonstrate how to effectively motivate and coach your patients.
  • Identify the health coaching process, from establishing trust, setting goals, and conducting a coaching session.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Targeted at health practitioners, including nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers, who seek to enhance their patient care through effective behavior change strategies
Presents a structured and evidence-based approach to health coaching, providing a framework for practitioners to implement in their patient interactions
Focuses on the core components of health coaching, including positive psychology, motivation, trust-building, and goal setting, which are essential for effective patient engagement and behavior change
Led by Kelsey Pruss, an experienced health coach and educator, who brings practical insights and expertise to the course
Designed for busy healthcare professionals, with flexible and self-paced learning options to fit into their schedules
Aligned with current healthcare practices and emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and shared decision-making

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Reviews summary

Practical health coaching for patient care

According to students, this course provides a highly practical and actionable approach to integrating health coaching into patient care. Learners consistently praise its ability to equip them with evidence-based strategies for motivational interviewing, goal setting, and patient empowerment. While serving as a solid foundational program that is particularly beneficial for those new to coaching, it effectively bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and inspiring behavioral change. The course features clear, well-structured content delivered by engaging instructors, making complex topics accessible and immediately applicable to professional practice.
Clear content delivery and relatable instruction.
"Excellent course! The instructors were engaging and made the content very relatable."
"The modules are well-structured and easy to follow."
"The modules were well-paced and the information was easy to absorb."
Provides a strong base for health coaching.
"A very solid introduction to health coaching... perfect for practitioners new to health coaching or those needing a refresher."
"Good course for understanding the basics of health coaching... comprehensive enough to give me a strong understanding."
"This course is a gem! It's concise, yet comprehensive, giving me the tools to truly partner with my patients."
Equips professionals with actionable strategies.
"This course was absolutely fantastic! It provides practical, evidence-based strategies that I can immediately apply in my work with patients."
"I already see ways to use these techniques in my practice."
"I now feel equipped to guide my patients towards sustainable health changes."
Primarily serves beginners; advanced learners may desire more depth.
"Some of the content felt a bit introductory... Probably better for those completely new to the topic."
"Decent overview. It covered the main points of health coaching but didn't go into as much depth as I had hoped for certain topics..."
"Useful for beginners, but experienced coaches might find it a bit basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care with these activities:
Create a notebook or digital folder to organize course materials
Maintaining organized course materials enhances accessibility, promotes efficient review, and aids retention.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated notebook or digital folder for the course.
  • Organize materials by topic or module.
Read 'Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change'
This book provides a foundational understanding of motivational interviewing, a method for helping patients make sustainable behavior changes, which is a key component of health coaching.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first two chapters.
Complete the Health Coaching Fundamentals course on EdX
This interactive course provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles and practices of health coaching, including how to establish trust and set goals with patients.
Browse courses on Patient Education
Show steps
  • Enroll in the Health Coaching Fundamentals course on EdX.
  • Complete the first three modules of the course.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a study group or online forum to connect with classmates
Interacting with peers fosters knowledge sharing, diverse perspectives, and deeper understanding of course concepts.
Show steps
  • Join a study group organized by the university or an online forum dedicated to the course.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and engage with classmates.
Role-play health coaching sessions with a peer
Practicing health coaching skills through role-playing helps build confidence and improves communication and listening abilities.
Browse courses on Health Coaching
Show steps
  • Find a study partner who is also taking the course.
  • Take turns role-playing as the health coach and the patient.
  • Focus on practicing active listening, empathy, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Design a health coaching intervention for a specific patient population
Creating a health coaching intervention encourages practical application of course concepts and enhances problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Health Coaching
Show steps
  • Choose a specific patient population, such as those with chronic diseases or mental health conditions.
  • Research evidence-based health coaching interventions for the chosen population.
  • Design an intervention that includes goals, strategies, and evaluation methods.

Career center

Learners who complete Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Coach
Health Coaches guide patients in making healthy lifestyle changes related to their specific health conditions. This course helps build a foundation in the fundamentals of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of wellness coaching and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Coach
Wellness Manager
Wellness Managers are responsible for developing and implementing employee wellness programs. This course can help build a foundation in the principles of wellness coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach individuals, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of wellness coaching and how to apply its principles to promote healthy lifestyles in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Manager
Patient Educator
Patient Educators provide education and support to patients to help them manage their health conditions. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of patient education, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Educator
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists develop and implement programs to promote healthy lifestyles in communities. This course can help build a foundation in the principles of health promotion, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach individuals, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of health promotion and how to apply its principles to promote healthy lifestyles in communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Promotion Specialist
Corporate Wellness Consultant
Corporate Wellness Consultants help businesses develop and implement employee wellness programs. This course can help build a foundation in the principles of corporate wellness, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach individuals, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of corporate wellness and how to apply its principles to promote healthy lifestyles in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Wellness Consultant
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy lifestyles in communities. This course can help build a foundation in the principles of public health education, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach individuals, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of public health education and how to apply its principles to promote healthy lifestyles in communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Behavior Change Specialist
Behavior Change Specialists help individuals change their health behaviors. This course can help build a foundation in the principles of behavior change, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach individuals, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of behavior change and how to apply its principles to help individuals make healthy lifestyle changes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Behavior Change Specialist
Registered Nurse
This course may be useful for Registered Nurses who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
This course may be useful for Licensed Practical Nurses who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Licensed Practical Nurse
Certified Nursing Assistant
This course may be useful for Certified Nursing Assistants who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Nursing Assistant
Medical Assistant
This course may be useful for Medical Assistants who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant
Physical Therapist
This course may be useful for Physical Therapists who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
This course may be useful for Occupational Therapists who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist
This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Registered Dietitian
This course may be useful for Registered Dietitians who want to develop their skills in patient education and counseling. It can help you build a foundation in the principles of health coaching, teaching you how to effectively motivate and coach patients, establish trust, and set goals. It can also help you understand the importance of patient education and how to apply its principles in your work with patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care.
Cover image
Motivational Interviewing
Save
Introduces the principles and practices of motivational interviewing, which collaborative, patient-centered approach to helping people explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change.
Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change...
Hardcover
$$
Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...
Paperback
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Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change,...
Hardcover
$$$
Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for...
Hardcover
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Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...
Paperback
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Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...
Paperback
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Finding Your Way to Change: How the Power of...
Paperback
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(Deutsch) Motivierende Gesprächsführung: Motivational...
Kindle Edition
$$
Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to...
Paperback
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Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Mindfulness in Good Lives
Save
Positive psychology focuses on the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Knowledge of this concept can be helpful in providing care to patients.
Mindfulness in Good Lives
Paperback
$$
Mindfulness in Good Lives
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Positive Education
Save
Positive psychology field of study that focuses on the strengths and virtues that enable people to thrive. provides an overview of the key concepts and findings of positive psychology. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to learn how to help their clients build on their strengths and live more fulfilling lives.
Positive Education: The Geelong Grammar School...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Provides a fascinating look at the science of habits. It explains how habits are formed and how they can be changed. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to help their clients make lasting changes to their lives.
Supercommunicators
Paperback
Check
Supercommunicators
Kindle Edition
Check
Workbook for Mindset
Save
Provides a new perspective on the psychology of success. It explains the importance of having a growth mindset, rather than a fixed mindset. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to help their clients develop a more positive and resilient mindset.
The Growth Mindset Workbook: CBT Skills to Help You...
Paperback
$$
The Growth Mindset Workbook: CBT Skills to Help You...
Kindle Edition
$$
Workbook For Mindset: The New Psychology of Success...
Paperback
$
Cover image
Slight Edge
Save
Emphasizes the importance of making small, consistent changes over time. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to help their clients make lasting changes to their lives.
The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Worldwide Nutrition Bundle: The Slight Edge -...
Perfect Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Olson, J: Slight Edge
Paperback
$$$
The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into...
Audio CD
$$
The Slight Edge Gift Jeff Olson (2009) Hardcover
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
Provides a timeless framework for personal and professional success. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to develop their own leadership and coaching skills.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Save
Provides a detailed overview of emotional intelligence. It explains the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to develop their own emotional intelligence and help their clients do the same.
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Paperback
Check
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Provides a framework for understanding how new technologies can disrupt existing markets. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to understand the challenges and opportunities of working in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Crossing the Quality Chasm
Save
Provides a blueprint for a new healthcare system that is focused on quality, safety, and patient-centered care. It valuable resource for health coaches who want to understand the future of healthcare and how they can play a role in shaping it.
Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for...
Hardcover
$$
Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
Kelsey Pruss
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called Lifestyle Medicine: Improving the Future of Health Care. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care (viewing)
  2. Lifestyle Medicine Fundamentals
  3. Lifestyle Medicine Treatments of Chronic Disease – Part 1
  4. Lifestyle Medicine Treatments of Chronic Disease – Part 2
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Targeted at health practitioners, including nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers, who seek to enhance their patient care through effective behavior change strategies
Presents a structured and evidence-based approach to health coaching, providing a framework for practitioners to implement in their patient interactions
Focuses on the core components of health coaching, including positive psychology, motivation, trust-building, and goal setting, which are essential for effective patient engagement and behavior change
Led by Kelsey Pruss, an experienced health coach and educator, who brings practical insights and expertise to the course
Designed for busy healthcare professionals, with flexible and self-paced learning options to fit into their schedules
Aligned with current healthcare practices and emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and shared decision-making
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