Health coaching in chronic infectious diseases

Introduction: People with chronic disease frequently have different kinds of difficulties with everyday functioning as the treatment regime and its side effects usually demand lifestyle changes. In some people infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) everyday discomfort may be augmented due to a higher risk of social stigmatization. The aim of this paper is to introduce health coaching as a method which could assist the treatment of people suffering from chronic infectious diseases. Review of literature: Health coaching is a method that helps to achieve health-related goals. Compliance with medical requirements is crucial to enhance outcomes connected to treatment. Frequently, there is a need for patients for improve or change some health-related habits and everyday behaviors. However, treatmentrelated action plan should be realistic as well as achievable. According to infectious diseases it of the utmost importance because it impacts on the safety and life of patients and their relatives. Conclusions: The vast majority of evidence is related to the implementation of health coaching in chronic diseases without an infectious context. However, health coaching could also be considered as a promising intervention in the context of infectious diseases, although there is a vital need for further research exploring its efficacy.