Empowering Patients to Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation and Americares Free Clinics announced a new Health Coach Program at the Boehringer Ingelheim Americares Free Clinic in Danbury, CT, for uninsured patients with chronic disease. The primary role of the health coaches is to equip patients who are committed to improve their health with the knowledge, skills and confidence to better manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

The field of health coaching emerged to fill an information gap, following research that shows half of patients leave medical visits without understanding their provider’s advice. It includes one-on-one interactions with patients to ensure they have the information they need, and understand what they need to do to be successful. This cross-sector collaboration is the result of an extensive assessment of community needs, existing community programming, and best practices in improving patient outcomes nationwide.

In 2017, the program was expanded to Malta House of Care to help uninsured patients in the Hartford, CT area. Both Malta House of Care and Americares Free Clinics have health coaches available for weekday clinic sessions. The health coaches are fluent in English and Spanish, and are partnered with patients who have previously experienced challenges managing their health. Program success is being determined by measuring improvements in clinical outcomes, medication adherence, clinic productivity and patient satisfaction.