Chapter Three.  Assessing Health Performance

CHAPTER IN PROGRESS

     Chapters 3 through 5 provide the building blocks for both the patient and doctor (aka Health Coach) to develop a health-training program that ensures maximum health in all facets of life, including physical, emotional, psycho-social, sexual, and spiritual. Initial assessments are discussed with the importance of screening and identifying both non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (environmentally acquired) adverse health risk factors. The transtheoretical model of change is discussed and how the patients' attitudes and behaviors directly impact upon the success or failure of their health training program.

     Emphasis is placed upon the doctor working with patients in a long-term, co-operative partnership, guiding and "gently nudging" their commitment to change and modifying their lifestyle behaviors at a manageable pace congruent with their sense of competency. The difficulties encountered trying to promote change are explained, emphasizing being proactive not reactive and commitment, communication, competence, constancy, and courage.

     Once the individually tapered health-training program is formulated and implemented then the ongoing review process and follow up is described.