Older Adult Interest in Working with Health Coaches, Los Angeles County, 2014

introduction

Health coaches can play an important role in facilitating improved health care access and coordination for patients. They can also address a wide variety of issues related to treatment non-compliance such as language or cultural barriers and distrust of providers. Despite growing interest in incorporating these non-physician extenders as part of standard care, there remains limited literature around patient attitudes toward health coaches. This study examines levels of interest among older adults in having a designated health coach.

methods

In June 2014, the Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of Public Health, conducted a clinical services internet panel survey of LAC residents. Data collected included patient demographics, attitudes toward providers, health care experiences, and health behaviors. Responses were statistically weighted to represent LAC and analyzed for respondents aged 55+ years.

results

The survey had an adjusted response rate of 32%. Approximately 30% (n=318) of the sample was aged 55+ years. The mean age was 64.6 years. Nearly 52% were male; 53% were White; 57% were married; and 73% reported having had at least some college education. Only 15% reported having a health coach at the place they usually go for health care. Of those who did not, approximately 60% reported having minimal interest in having a health coach.

 

conclusion

Results indicate that patients may view the utility of health coaches differently than the medical community. These findings illuminate an important barrier which may need to be addressed as the US health system changes in response to the Affordable Care Act.