Created to easily integrate into existing health plans and employee benefit programs, the Alere Personal Health Coaching program now incorporates a personal health support strategy. It is based on recognized behavior change and positive psychology principles that focus on the “whole person”—lifestyle, values, and preferences—rather than just the health condition.
In this more empowering approach, individuals are encouraged to select what behaviors they want to address first, rather than being told what they need to work on, making the process more personal and engaging. They can choose when they want to start a program and select the most convenient communication channels to consult with their own dedicated personal health coach. Such channels include phone, email, and Instant Message Chat. Participants have the ability to communicate with their coach as little or as much as they prefer over a 12-month period.
Eligible participants for health coaching are identified using health assessment tools, referrals, and self-referrals. As soon as 10 days after the participant has completed the health risk assessment, the assigned health coach begins a series of outreach attempts, making the enrollment process easy and flexible. People eligible to participate include those who have indicated a readiness to change in one of the following behavior areas: weight loss, eating habits and nutrition,
physical activity, tobacco cessation, or high stress level.