Rationale: Chronic disease has increased and continues to rise, resulting in an unhealthy general population. Occupational therapists (OTs) can effectively serve as health and wellness coaches by utilizing their expertise in promoting well-being and independence to improve clients' quality of life. By assuming the role of coach, OTs can focus on helping individuals choose and achieve their health goals through client-centered interventions that result in lifestyle change.
Objectives: Explain how OTs can inspire change in clients by serving as health and wellness coaches; Demonstrate how the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF – 4th edition) can serve as a guide for OTs in this role; Describe methods of assessment, goals, and intervention to coach clients; Identify models to guide the coaching practice
Approach: Through a holistic approach and taking into consideration the physical, social, and psychological aspects of a client's health, OTs can intervene through motivational interviews to help bring about change. The occupational profile and Health Belief Model coupled with motivational interviewing can foster an understanding of a client's abilities, challenges, and goals.
Practice Implications: With coaching guided by the OTPF-4, OTs can support clients to make lifestyle changes through education to improve health. OTs are skilled at using adaptive strategies and environmental modifications to support clients to create new routines.
Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The future of OT requires that practitioners further adapt to the needs of clients by serving as coach to empower healthy people and improve health outcomes. Sustainable health and wellness are critical to the long-term success of clients and proves the value of OT.