Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching: 2023 Addendum.

Abstract

Background: Building on the 2017 Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching (HWC) and its 2019 Addendum, the 2023 Addendum extends the scope of research by incorporating studies published from 2018 to 2022. This latest version continues to serve as a vital resource for practitioners and researchers, offering access to a comprehensive collection of studies spanning established and emerging health domains. Methods: The 2023 Addendum updates and expands the evidence base to evaluate HWC's effectiveness across various conditions and settings. In this iteration, an expanded range of literature databases was explored to ensure inclusivity, categorizing articles into eight established health conditions-such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity-while introducing two new categories reflecting research trends in respiratory conditions and chronic pain management. Results: The addendum includes findings from 212 articles, among which 115 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate the effectiveness of HWC in improving patient-centered outcomes such as chronic care management, medication adherence, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Positive impacts were also documented on surrogate biomarkers, particularly in diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular care. All articles, including reviews and commentaries, are indexed with detailed methodologies and findings in an accessible spreadsheet format. Conclusions: Since its first iteration in 2017, the Compendium has grown to encompass over 480 articles, including more than 140 RCTs, illustrating the expanding role of HWC in health care. This evidence base underscores HWC's utility as a key intervention for chronic disease management, preventive care, and whole-person health. Future research should focus on refining coaching methodologies, evaluating long-term outcomes, and exploring cost-effectiveness to enhance HWC's delivery and impact across diverse populations and settings.