Lifestyle coaching for people living with physical disabilities: exploring perceptions of clients and professionals

PURPOSE: To inform the implementation of a new Dutch lifestyle coaching service (Healthy Habits Coaching) targeting clients with chronic conditions and/or physical disabilities, this study aimed to explore experiences and perceptions of clients and professionals on receiving, delivering and implementing lifestyle coaching.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pragmatic qualitative study was conducted in partnership with a Dutch community organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clients ( n  = 9) with chronic conditions and/or physical disabilities who received lifestyle coaching, and professionals ( n  = 10) who delivered and/or implemented lifestyle coaching. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Clients and professionals elaborated on the importance of client-centred coaching and reciprocal responsibilities within a client-coach relationship. Clients emphasised the value of stepwise guidance on behaviour change and mentioned coaching evoked feelings of meaning, autonomy and improved capability. Professionals talked about increased societal attention for promoting a healthy lifestyle in people with a chronic condition or disability.

CONCLUSION: We identified key characteristics that may contribute to a successful lifestyle coaching service for people with chronic conditions and/or physical disabilities: establishing a reciprocal coach-client relationship, using a client-centred approach, and incorporating action planning techniques. These findings inform the implementation of Healthy Habits Coaching.