Life! telephone health coaching FAQ
What is Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
Life! telephone health coaching is an alternative delivery mode to the Life! course.The telephone health coaching service is for eligible patients who are unable to attend a face to face group course.
Telephone based health coaching is recognised as an effective and efficient methodology for supporting positive behavioural change in relation to chronic disease risk factors as well as assisting in the management of existing conditions.
Why is an alternative delivery mode of the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course being introduced?
The telephone health coaching service is now being implemented as an option for the many eligible people who are missing out on the Life! course because they are unable to attend a group course.
What is the difference between the Life! Taking Action on Diabetes course and telephone health coaching?
The Life! course is delivered in person, face to face in a supportive group environment while telephone health coaching is delivered one on one over the phone. The telephone health coaching service uses similar principles to those underlying the Life! course.
A face to face group based Life! course continues to be the best evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention intervention for people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The telephone health coaching service is available for patients who can not attend a face to face course.
Who will be delivering Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
Kinect Australia is delivering the telephone health coaching. Kinect Australia works in consultation with Diabetes Australia – Vic to ensure the telephone health coaching meets the goals of the Life! program. The health coaches at Kinect Australia are health professionals trained in the Health Coaching Australia model, including motivational interviewing.
What does Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching include?
The telephone health coaching service includes:
- assessment of readiness, importance and confidence to change behaviour to adopt a healthier lifestyle
- explanation of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and how they link to lifestyle
- goal setting and planning to assist in the adoption and maintenance of lifestyle changes
- the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity
- linkages to local programs and services to adopt lifestyle changes.
Upon referral, Kinect Australia will conduct a first session, which includes questionnaires and baseline data collection, before scheduling the client’s first appointment with a trained health coach. The health coach will then contact the client at the agreed time and date.
The telephone health coaching includes the five program goals of the Life! course and will be individualised to suit the client’s needs.
Will I receive feedback on how my patient is progressing in Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
Yes. The following reports are provided to the referrer, or to the nominiated GP if supplied, as applicable:
- confirmation of receipt of referral and inclusion in program
- two month progress report
- final progress report.
Note: referrers will also be informed if the client withdraws from (or opts out of) the program, or we are unable to contact them after three attempts.
How long does Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching run?
Telephone health coaching is individualised and arranged at a time the client is available. The initial health coaching call will focus on the identification of general and specific health goals related to the reduction of type 2 diabetes risk factors. Baseline data will be collected in relation to the chosen target behaviours and risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
The health coach will also establish a follow up call schedule with the client. The first call may last up to 45 minutes, while follow up calls generally last 10 to 20 minutes.
Follow up calls will be offered to the referred individuals at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months, with a prospect of a 12 month follow up call. Follow up calls will review progress and offer additional support for behavioural change to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.
Who is eligible for Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
To be eligible a patient must:
- be recognised as having a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes by having a:
– history of high risk conditions, specifically a pre-existing condition of either CVD/GDM (regardless of age or AUDRISK score)
– AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 50 – AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 50
– AUSDRISK score of 12 or more and aged over 18 if an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
– AUSDRISK score of 12 or more as identified during a WorkHealth check and aged 18 - 39 years
- not have diabetes
- live in Victoria.
Who can refer people to Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
- general practitioners
- people can refer themselves
- allied and Life! recognised health professionals
What do I need to do to refer a patient to Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
This is the same process as referring to the Life! course.
GPs and allied health professionals can refer patients to the telephone health coaching who meet the above eligibility criteria.
Simply complete the Life! referral form and fax it to Life! central referral (03) 9667 1757.
The referral form is available in a number of formats, including hard copy, Medical Director, Genie, Best Practice and Zed Med. You can download the referral forms or refer to a local provider.
If your patient can not attend a face to face course, select Phone on the referral form or make a note on the referral that they would like to do diabetes prevention via the phone.
What if a patient is not eligible for Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
Please contact your local division of general practice or community health service to find out what services are available in your area. Encourage your patient to seek information about preventing diabetes from the Diabetes Australia – Vic website www.diabetesvic.org.au or by calling 13 RISK (13 7475).
Is there a fee for Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
The telephone health coaching service is free for most people, including:
- people on low to medium incomes (as per the Health and Community Care (HACC) guideines)
- Aboriginal Victorians.
For all others, a $50 co-payment is required.
Who has duty of care for a patient taking part in a Life! Taking Action on Diabetes telephone health coaching?
Kinect Australia, who will be providing the telephone health coaching, has duty of care for the patient.