Empowering Patients: The Role of Group Health Coaching in Improving Self-Efficacy and Well-Being in Parkinson's Disease.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of a novel group health coaching curriculum on self-efficacy, overall sense of well-being, and self-reported behavior change for people with Parkinson disease (PwP).

METHODS

This pretest-posttest, mixed-methods study introduced a novel group health coaching curriculum, developed by a Parkinson nurse navigator and certified health coach, to target self-efficacy and well-being in PwP. Data was analyzed via descriptive statistics of survey data and thematic analysis.

FINDINGS: With a sample size of 17 participants taking the pre-intervention survey and 12 taking the post-survey, results revealed a 0.27-point average improvement for the Neuro-QoL Positive Affect and Well-Being scale with the highest increase noted in feelings of a sense of purpose with a 0.47-point increase. PROMIS Self-Efficacy scores improved in 8 out of 10 items by an average of 0.22 points. Thematic analysis revealed five domains of participant-perceived benefits including exercise, nutrition, commitment, community building, and goal setting.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary data indicates that this novel group health coaching model and curriculum for Parkinson disease has potential to positively impact well-being, self-efficacy, and self-reported healthy habits. Given results of this pilot initiative, future research to increase sample size and expand objective measurements is warranted.