An integrated approach to worker self-management and health outcomes: chronic conditions, evidence-based practice, and health coaching.

Abstract

Employee health, prevention, and maintenance programs are growing exponentially each year as costs continue to rise across the health care continuum. Employers and payers alike continue to be challenged by chronic health risks, effective prevention strategies, optimal health and wellness strategies, and programs that are effective for America's work force. In light of these challenges, new and exciting health management approaches are evolving. Changes in occupational health nursing practice can ultimately affect the way occupational health nurses plan, structure, and conduct education sessions. New trends, such as health coaching, embrace the incorporation of health research through evidence-based practice and standards of care to provide the science clinicians need to support interventions. Through knowledge of chronic conditions, evidence-based practice, and health coaching, occupational health nurses possess the skills and strategies that form the foundation necessary to affect and safely guide employee self-discovery and self-management and produce optimal health outcomes.