As a matter of fact, a health coach program may be regarded as a particular educational healthcare program for people who are interested in lifestyle changes. During it, a certified coach helps them identify health-related areas of concern and set goals providing motivation and encouragement along the way. Health coach programs may cover several concerns or focus on one particular area, such as nutrition. For instance, Central Health, one of the largest health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador, has a Health Coach Program that helps community members make changes for a healthier life. The authority serves 93,000 people, and any individual aged 19 years or older may freely participate in the program (“About us,” n.d.). In general, the success of any program is measured on the basis of its convenience and scope of offering and the number of participants, their commitment, satisfaction, and goal achievement. In the program, two main impacts are realized – physical health and health behavior. In other words, sustaining healthy behaviors successfully implemented by participant lead to improved body weight, blood pressure, and level of cholesterol.
The evaluation of the program is conducted directly after its participants receive information related to a healthy style and after several months to observe how these changes were implemented. Data necessary for evaluation includes a participant database, participants’ action plans, measurements before and after the program, and their feedback. During the program, the necessity to consider participants’ individual features, characteristics, and cultural values were identified.
The main stakeholders identified in the program evaluation are those involved in program operations, such as the managers, staff (medical and non-medical fields), and the clients or patients. The program managers will benefit the most in the program or policy evaluation. For instance, the evaluation of a program may identify the necessity of its improvement and spheres that should be improved for better outcomes. All in all, the program meets its objectives as positive changes in participants’ lifestyles and the improvement of their health after the program may be observed. I would recommend this program in my workplace as providing health-related information that may positively impact wellbeing is essential. As a nurse advocate, I may be involved in the program’s evaluation as a participant of it or applying for a position of the supervisor who evaluates received data.
Reference
About us. (n.d.). Central Health. Web.