Life! Telephone Health Coaching FAQs
What is the aim of the Life! Telephone Health Coaching service?
Life! Telephone Health Coaching is a free type 2 diabetes prevention program conducted via the phone, rather than face-to-face. It aims to assist individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle habits through small and sustainable changes, working collaboratively to initiate self-discovery and utilise behavioural evidence methods.
How long does Life! Telephone Health Coaching run?
Telephone Health Coaching is individualised and arranged at a time the client is available. The initial health coaching call will focus on the identification of general and specific health goals related to the reduction of type 2 diabetes risk factors. Baseline data will be collected in relation to the chosen target behaviours and risk factors of type 2 diabetes. The health coach will also establish a follow up call schedule with the client.
The first call may last up to 45 minutes, while follow up calls generally last 15–20 minutes. Follow up calls will be offered to the referred individuals at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 5 months. Follow up calls review progress and offer additional support for behavioural change to prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes.
The client can withdraw from the program at any given time if they no longer wish to continue by informing the health coach or calling 13 RISK (13 7475).
Why should I refer my patient to this service?
Telephone based health coaching is increasingly being recognised as an effective and efficient methodology for supporting positive behavioural change in relation to chronic condition risk factors such as those related to type 2 diabetes as well as assisting in the management of existing conditions.
Who delivers Life! Telephone Health Coaching? Who are the health coaches?
All our health coaches are health professionals trained in the Health Coaching Australia model of Health Change. These health professionals are also trained specifically in health coaching for diabetes prevention.
Who can use the Life! Telephone Health Coaching service?
The service is ideal for people who are ready to make positive, long lasting improvements to their health but want the additional support from a health professional.
Is there a cost involved?
No. The Life! Telephone Health Coaching service is funded by the Victorian Government and is free to all participants who are eligible for the program.
How do I know if my patient is eligible?
To be eligible a patient must not have diabetes and be:
What can the GP/Health Professional do to help?
Ask patients who are not currently living with diabetes to complete the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment tool and discuss their score with them. Refer patients at high risk to have a fasting blood glucose test or OGTT to exclude diabetes. Discuss the seriousness of type 2 diabetes and refer eligible patients to the Life! program.
What should I do if my patient is considered to be at high risk and has pathology that excludes within the last 12 months?
Refer them to the Life! program by completing the referral form and faxing it to 03 9667 1757 or call 03 8648 1880 for further information.
Will I receive feedback on how my patient has progressed in Life! Telephone Health Coaching?
Yes. A final report upon completion of the program is provided to the nominated GP. The final report will include your patient’s prioritised self management goals, positive actions towards self management, strengths and strategies they are utilising, and a brief overview of what they will be working towards in the future. Also included are any questions/concerns the coaches may have in regard to supporting the patient to make these changes plus a few brief statements on what the client has learned. Weight and waist measurements will also be included in this report.
If my patient has type 2 diabetes can they participate in Life! Telephone Health Coaching?
No. Life! Telephone Health Coaching is a type 2 diabetes prevention program and only available to people who do not already have diabetes.
What if a patient is not eligible for the Life! Telephone Health Coaching?
Encourage your patient to seek information about preventing diabetes from the Diabetes Australia – Vic website or by calling the Diabetes InfoLine 1300 136 588. Your local division of general practice, Medicare Local or community health service may also be able to assist you to find appropriate services and programs.
What is the difference between the Life! course and Life! Telephone Health Coaching?
The Life! course is delivered in person, face-to-face in a supportive group environment while telephone health coaching is delivered one-on-one over the phone. The Telephone Health Coaching service uses similar principles to those underlying the Life! course.
Who can refer people to the Life! Telephone Health Coaching program?
- General Practitioners
- Allied health professionals and Life! recognised health professionals who deliver First Visits
- Individuals can also refer themselves* by calling 13 RISK (13 7475) or visiting the Life! website
*self referrals are asked to nominate their usual GP when referring