Abstract

This research study emerges as a guiding light, delving into the unexplored realm of undergraduate health coaches (UHCs) within Community Care Networks (CCNs) and their profound impact on the management of chronic diseases. The background for this inquiry is the Wooster Community Care Network (WCCN) of Wooster, Ohio, which was developed via cooperation between Wooster Community Hospital and The College of Wooster. For this study, we compared the year immediately before their WCCN admission to the year immediately following their admission, measuring the number, average length, and total time of both ED visits and hospitalizations for each patient admitted to the WCCN between January 2014 and May 2018 who had been enrolled in the WCCN for more than one year (n = 277). Results show that the WCCN program dramatically lowers the length of stay of patients with chronic diseases in hospitals, saving the hospital a sizable amount of money. Confidence interval estimates show the range of these savings, indicating the program's economic impact's successes and difficulties. The impact of UHCs on patient involvement and self-care is also explored in the study. UHC participation gives the panorama of chronic illness management a fresh, young viewpoint. Within CCNs, health coaches are essential because they provide individualized counseling, promote patient empowerment, and encourage educated decision-making. Through active participation in self-care, UHC integration into CCNs has the potential to improve patient outcomes. In summary, the study illuminates the understudied interaction between UHCs and CCNs in the management of chronic diseases and evaluates its economic impact. The research advances healthcare practices by quantifying the WCCN program's financial advantages and emphasizing the importance of UHCs in patient-centered care. It also promotes future research into the possibilities of UHCs in similar situations.

Advisor

Frazier, Marian

Second Advisor

Merkle, Jessica

Department

Business Economics; Statistical and Data Sciences

Disciplines

Hospitality Administration and Management | Nonprofit Administration and Management

Keywords

health coaching, mentoring, medical education, chronic disease, hospitalization, utilization, economic impact

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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