Health Coaching and Glaucoma: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Patient Experience in a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Introduction: Successful medical treatment of glaucoma requires adherence to daily eye drop medications. Health coaching, which has been used successfully for other chronic diseases, may be helpful for glaucoma patients. Methods: Qualitative analysis of pre-coaching questionnaire, coaching notes, and post-coaching exit interviews, for four glaucoma patients who completed a 6-month health coaching interventional study. The health coaching intervention consisted of 4-6 coaching sessions with a certified Health Coach via telephone. Results: Preserving independence was the most important theme identified prior to coaching. Participants varied in focus areas, focusing on either eye health, general health, or a combination. The health coaching intervention resulted in benefits for all four patients, from the development of eye drop adherence strategies to weight loss and work-life balance. Conclusion: These results support the use of holistic approaches to care for glaucoma patients, as well as further research on the use of health coaching for glaucoma patients and the development of health coaching interventions tailored to the unique needs of glaucoma patients.