I want to start a series of blog posts where I dig into some of the program evaluations I’ve encountered in my dissertation and portfolio research. I aim to highlight what’s working and what isn’t in veteran health programs. As I continue learning, I also want to share that knowledge with other veterans to determine what solutions make a difference in our lives.
In this post, I’ll be talking about the VA Whole Health Coaching program, a relatively new approach designed to help veterans take charge of their health meaningfully and personally. This program focuses on more than just medical issues—it’s about helping veterans improve their overall quality of life, whether it’s reducing stress, improving mental health, or making lifestyle changes that stick.
Background: The Whole Health Coaching Approach
Whole Health Coaching is part of the VA’s effort to give veterans more control over their well-being. The program helps veterans set their own health goals and work toward them in a supportive, structured way. It’s holistic, meaning it looks at the whole person—not just physical health, but mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.
Veterans work one-on-one with a coach who helps them create a plan that fits their life. It’s not about being told what to do; it’s about figuring out what matters to you and finding the best way to get there.
The Study: Exploring the Effectiveness of Whole Health Coaching
In this pilot program, 65 veterans were surveyed before and after their Whole Health Coaching sessions, and 42 were interviewed in-depth about their experiences. The aim was to find out if this program helps veterans make positive changes in their health and lives.
Key Findings:
Better Mental Health and Lower Stress: Veterans reported significant improvements in their mental health and stress levels after the program. They felt more in control of their lives and better equipped to handle challenges.
Improved Confidence in Managing Health: Veterans also gained confidence in their ability to manage their health, which is a big deal when it comes to sticking with long-term changes like healthier eating or exercise routines.
Holistic Benefits Beyond Physical Health: While there wasn’t a substantial statistical change in physical health metrics, many veterans said they felt better physically—whether that was sleeping better, losing weight, or managing pain more effectively.
A Veteran-Centered Approach
What makes the Whole Health Coaching program stand out is its veteran-centered approach. Veterans set their goals based on what’s important to them, and coaches provide guidance and support without judgment. This kind of relationship allows veterans to take control of their health journey and move at their own pace.
What Veterans Said Worked
Through interviews, veterans highlighted a few things that made the program really effective for them:
Small, Realistic Goals: Veterans appreciated the focus on setting achievable goals, which helped them stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
Accountability: Regular check-ins with their coach kept them on track and gave them a sense of responsibility, which many found motivating.
Holistic Focus: The program’s emphasis on all aspects of life—mind, body, and spirit—resonated with veterans. Some said they hadn’t experienced this kind of comprehensive care in other VA programs.
Mindfulness Tools: Many veterans found mindfulness exercises, like breathing techniques and meditation, especially helpful for reducing stress and staying focused.
Areas for Improvement
While the program was largely successful, veterans did offer some feedback on what could be better:
Longer Coaching: Many participants felt that the coaching program ended too soon. They wanted more sessions to continue building on their progress.
Complex Materials: Some found the program’s initial self-assessment materials a bit confusing, suggesting that a more straightforward introduction could help veterans ease into the program.
The Whole Health Coaching program has shown promising results in helping veterans improve their health and well-being. The personalized, veteran-driven approach, combined with mindfulness and holistic care, makes it a valuable tool for veterans looking to make positive changes. There’s still room for improvement, but this program is a step in the right direction toward a more comprehensive, supportive approach to veteran care.
Comments