RPM & CCM Program: Patient Coaching & Education

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    Chronic disease management can be challenging at the best of times, often requiring commitment not only from the patient but also from the practitioner.

    Many factors influence the patient’s readiness and ability to make necessary lifestyle changes as well as to cope with added medications and other therapeutic needs. A practitioner must have the skill to understand which approach is best in different situations. Although the desired outcome is the same, the practitioner approach can make all the difference when working with a client.

    Understanding the two approaches

    Most often coaching is the favorable slant, but in some cases an educator is a better choice for the patient. The challenge for today’s practitioner is to determine which role is most appropriate and when to implement that role. More importantly, understanding how to transition between these roles to best meet their patient’s needs is essential.

    Coaching is a working partnership in which both the practitioner and the client partake in the health and wellness journey. Educating is a method in which the educator, based on specific expertise, assumes ownership of the knowledge, sharing and directing the patient down a particular path.

    Coaching essentially puts the patient in the driver’s seat, allowing them to navigate the topics and the direction of the visit. Educating allows the provider to steer the course of conversation. Since education is the more traditional way of working with patients, they may not understand the coaching approach when it is initially introduced. It is helpful if the provider takes a few minutes to explain the purpose of coaching and why it is being used. Another option is to direct their patients to a designated coach to support their wellness journey.

    Specifics examples of patient education and coaching

    There are numerous topics on health and wellness for patients to explore. Some are better to access via an educational approach, while others require the presence of a coach. 

    Here are some examples of coaching vs education:

    Education:

    • How to use a blood glucose monitor
    • Medication dosage and timing
    • Carbohydrate counting
    • Insulin pump management
    • Blood pressure device troubleshooting

    Coaching:

    • Weight loss/Management
    • Behavior change
    • Goal setting
    • Chronic disease management
    • Modifiable lifestyle factors

    So often, patients are ready to embrace lifestyle changes but need assistance to meet their goals. Practitioners have the option of providing an educational approach or coaching to assist their patients. Understanding the difference between these two approaches as well as knowing how to transition between them can set your practice apart.

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