Exploring components and feasibility of health coaching interventions for self-management of Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Mir Rija , Poduval Shoba , Hamilton Fiona L 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) currently has no cure. However, extensive evidence suggests that addressing key risk factors through lifestyle changes can help individuals effectively self-manage their condition. Diabetes self-management primarily involves patients engaging in self-monitoring behaviours and adopting coping strategies to manage their long-term illness. In recent years, health coaching interventions have gained recognition as a valuable approach for providing personalized support, enabling patients to take an active role in managing their health. By fostering behaviour change through goal setting, active learning, accountability, and empowerment, health coaching equips patients with the tools to proactively manage their condition over time. This approach is especially important for researchers and policymakers, as it underscores the need for acceptable, engaging, and personalized care interventions that have a lasting positive impact, promoting self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for individuals with T2D.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to systematically review published, peer-reviewed, primary research studies that examine health coaching intervention for T2D self-management to identify and conceptualize factors associated with the effectiveness, acceptability, engagement.

METHODS

This study protocol outlines the procedure for a systematic review that follows the methodology recommended by PRISMA guidelines. The review will include experimental (randomized controlled trial (RCT)), quasi-experimental study designs, and qualitative study designs which focus on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), published in English up to 1 December 2024. Following databases will be used to search articles: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL via Ebsco host), Web of science (core collection) and Cochrane central library. To identify any additional studies that did not appear while searching in databases, citation searches and manual searches of the reference lists of all studies selected for critical appraisal will be performed. Moreover, citation searches will be performed in GoogleScholar and Web of Science. Eligible studies will include health coaching interventions that provide 1:1 coaching delivered face-to-face, remotely via digital technology, and virtually through AI-driven platforms within a coaching context comprising of a health coach. Outcomes of interest include Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), other clinical outcomes, and qualitative data related to acceptability and engagement obtained from patients. A double-screening process will be employed, with two independent reviewers assessing a randomly selected set of 25 studies identified by the search against inclusion criteria to ensure consistency before proceeding to screen the remaining studies. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion until consensus is reached. Outcome data will be extracted, with quantitative data being narratively summarised, and qualitative data analysed by performing thematic analysis and framework analysis.

RESULTS

The review is underway and is anticipated to be completed by June 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review will aim to explore in-depth the factors associated with effectiveness, acceptability, and engagement with health coaching interventions, to identify their active components, and to offer a set of recommendations aimed at optimizing health coaching intervention designs.