A case study approach to the examination of a telephone‐based health coaching intervention in facilitating behaviour change for adults with Type 2 diabetes

Aims and objectives This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the use of telephone empowerment‐based health coaching as a cost‐effective alternative to changing health behaviours of adults with Type 2 diabetes. Background Guidelines regarding lifestyle management to reduce the risk of complications in diabetes include changing patterns of eating, physical activity and smoking cessation. Traditional education/behavioural methods of support for behaviour change reveal mixed and mainly short‐term effects. Design A mixed method case study approach was used (n = 10). Methods Data were collected by means of physiological measurements survey and focus group interview both before and after telephone a coaching intervention. Results Participants took greater responsibility for health and revealed high self‐efficacy scores. Short‐term benefits were seen in physiological variables at three months but these deteriorated with the cessation of the intervention indicating the need for continuous support. Conclusion Telephone coaching is a cost‐effective approach to supporting health behaviour change for those with diabetes. It embraces the principles of empowerment and warrants further evaluation in supporting long‐term behavioural changes. As such coaching emerges as a suitable proposition for this cohort. Relevance to clinical practice Health coaching has a positive impact on health behaviours for those with diabetes. Health coaching facilitates an increase in personal control of health and builds confidence in self‐managing diabetes. Patients feel really supported and become motivated towards self‐care.