VMC 101 - Health Coaches

2 Credits
The Health Coach Program class is taught by a variety of staff members from Valley Medical Center including physicians, administrators, a Registered Nurse, Social Worker and Registered Dietician. Each faculty member brings expertise from his or her individual field.

The course explores the impact of chronic conditions common to high risk patients and equips the student to develop the skills necessary to help coach the patient toward successful self-management of their chronic illness(es) and progress toward health-related goals. Every week, students will engage in activities that foster critical thinking, empathy, resourcefulness and communication skills. Students will gain understanding about the health coach support team, the primary care team, and how these teams will communicate with each other and with the patient.

Students will have 1-2 weekly readings specific to the topic area. Students are required to participate in an online discussion with their classmates about the reading assignments each week. These reading assignments and online discussions prepare the students to actively engage in conversation with the faculty and to prepare a case study by the end of the term.

Required text: Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D., Laurent, D., Gonzalez, V., & Minor, M. (2012). Living a healthy life with chronic conditions: Self-management of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other physical and mental health conditions (4^th ed.). Boulder, CO: Bull Publishing Company.

Additional reading assignments will be posted within each module as a PDF. Students may read these articles online or may print them on their personal or public computer.

Computer access and class attendance are required for successful completion of this class. There will be NO tests or quizzes.

Course Outcomes

Explain key concepts related to medical, psychosocial, behavioral and economic factors and challenges that adversely impact the continuum of healthcare at the community level.
Discuss a series of evidence-based strategies for optimizing the healthcare outcomes and patient experiences of individuals with manageable risk factors and ambulatory care sensitive conditions.
Integrate a comprehensive series of bio-psycho-social insights into strategies for promoting positive self-health behaviors.
Work with an interdisciplinary team of health professionals that identifies/assesses obstacles and care gaps and provides suggestions/support for improving care coordination.
Serve as health coaches within an interdisciplinary care coordination healthcare team.

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