Peer-reviewed studies on health and wellness coaching, with a short guide to what each one found.
Researchers have studied several kinds of coaching. The programs below differ in who delivers them, who takes part, and what they measure. They describe outcomes for those programs. Susan’s practice offers support with goals and habits and does not provide clinical care.
Wolever et al. · Global Advances in Health and Medicine · 2013
This systematic review examined how published studies described coaching. Common elements included goals chosen by clients, active learning, and accountability. The review helps explain what happens in a coaching relationship. Its purpose was to define the practice, so it does not estimate the size of any benefit.
Read the studyBoehmer et al. · Patient Education and Counseling · 2023
Across 30 randomized studies in chronic illness care, the review found short-term improvements in quality of life and confidence managing health. The authors rated the evidence low or very low for most outcomes because of study limitations and differences between programs.
Read the studyWillard-Grace et al. · Annals of Family Medicine · 2015
In a trial at two safety-net clinics, 46.4% of people assigned to medical assistant coaching met at least one eligible clinical goal, compared with 34.3% receiving usual care. Results varied by measure. This was a clinic program delivered alongside medical care.
Read the studyThom et al. · Annals of Family Medicine · 2013
A randomized trial at public clinics found better blood sugar control after six months among adults with poorly controlled diabetes assigned to trained peer coaches. The study focused on a particular population and coaching model. It does not establish what will happen in private wellness coaching.
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