Training community members to be HealthyLifetime health coaches
Evaluating the Use of Community Members Trained as Health Coaches to Deliver the HealthyLifetimeTM Program
This trial will test whether community members trained as health coaches can do as well as nurse health coaches at delivering the HealthyLifetime virtual program to adults without complex chronic conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06616246 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized controlled design, adults without complex chronic conditions will be assigned to receive the HealthyLifetime program from either trained community Health Coaches or Nurse Health Coaches delivered via a virtual platform. Community members will receive adapted training and their competency will be measured with the same assessment tools used for nurses, under supervision of a nurse Clinical Services Manager. Outcomes will include measures of independent self-care and resiliency (using the Independent Living Index and other scales), program satisfaction, qualitative feedback, and a Medical Use Index as a proxy for cost impact. Investigators will compare clinical and competency outcomes between coach types and explore whether demographic or social factors affect results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults age 30 or older with no more than three uncomplicated chronic conditions, an ILI score above 35, Medicare/Medicaid, English proficiency, and access to an internet-capable device for private video sessions who reside in Michigan.
Not a fit: Patients with complex chronic conditions, high risk for functional decline, significant anxiety or depressive symptoms (scores ≥4 on relevant items), lack of required technology or private space, non-English speakers, or those living outside Michigan are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could expand access to effective virtual health coaching, improve independent self-care and resiliency for participants, and lower program costs by using trained community coaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows community health workers can deliver effective coaching in some settings, but direct randomized comparisons with nurse-delivered coaching for a virtual healthy aging program are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be at least 30 years of age, with no more than three, uncomplicated chronic conditions and want to learn to take better care of their health. * Independent Living Index (ILI) greater than 35. ILI is derived by averaging the outcome measures scores. * A score of less than 4 on items related to anxiety and depressive symptoms * Have Medicare and/or Medicaid insurance. * Be able to read, speak, and hear English - but may use glasses or hearing aids, if needed; * Tell us their age, date of birth, address, and phone number, and explain their health problems; * Have a computer, iPad (Tablet), or Smartphone with an Internet connection, email address, a working camera, and microphone; * Be able to use their computer/tablet to connect to video chat sessions like Zoom in a private space in their home or a private room * Are not currently participating in any other studies involving diet, weight management, exercise and/or coaching at the current time; and * Reside in Michigan. Exclusion Criteria: * ● Are less than 30 years of age. * Have more than three, uncomplicated chronic conditions. * A score of more than 4 on items related to anxiety and depressive symptoms * Do not have Medicare and/or Medicaid insurance. * Do not reside in Michigan. * Have a new acute health problem that requires seeing a doctor more than once a month for acute medical treatment. * Have been told their illness is not curable. * Need help remembering their name, date of birth, or health problems. * Cannot use glasses or a hearing aid to see or hear well enough to read materials on the computer or talk to the nurse easily. * Are currently participating in any other studies involving diet, weight management, exercise and/or coaching at the current time; and * Do not have, or cannot use, a computer, iPad, or another device with the Internet at home to use Zoom (e.g., internet streaming).
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathleen Potempa, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Kathleen Potempa, PhD
- Email: potempa@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-615-0085
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.