Health Coaching Course Data Analysis and Evaluation

Abstract

Background: The same knowledge and skills that make a great health coach, also make a quality healthcare provider. Currently, East Carolina University offers no course which trains pre-healthcare related majors in hands-on experiential health coaching skills. Objective: The overarching goal is to evaluate the quality and feasibility of this health coaching course to maximize the impact it could have on students and their abilities to inflict positive behavior change and demonstrate the value it offers to our university. Methods: East Carolina University undergraduate students majoring in kinesiology, nutrition, and other health science majors (N=15) participated in a health coaching course and completed self-assessments, evaluating their knowledge, skills, and confidence about health coaching. Descriptive statistics, T-test, and content analysis were utilized. Results: Students completed self-assessments of their content knowledge prior to and after the completion of the health coaching course. Through analytical evaluation these questionnaires reflect the high quality of the health coparticipants’ and the positive impact it has on the participants knowledge and skills. Conclusions: Based on the data, the course grant could/should be renewed for further continuity of instruction due to the long-term positive impact it can have on the health science majors at ECU and their future health care careers.