The findings of this study indicate that PrioMed^® health coaching training was generally well-received; however, it was considered too brief and overly theoretical relative to the scope of its content. The most appreciated aspect of the program was the practical exercises, which participants wished had been more extensively integrated into the training. Despite post-training uncertainty regarding their readiness, participants reported positive experiences with health coaching. Coachees who took part in the PrioMed^® pilot expressed satisfaction with the support they received in making lifestyle changes. They found the coaching methods suitable and responsive to their individual needs. Nearly all participants indicated they would recommend the PrioMed^® health coaching program to their friends or close contacts.

Although all participants came from healthcare backgrounds, most had no prior coaching experience and reported that the training’s content and duration did not sufficiently correspond to their initial level of competence. This reflects challenges observed in earlier studies, where the amount of material presented was perceived as excessive (Davies et al., 2020; Noll et al., 2022). While the importance of theoretical knowledge was acknowledged, participants emphasized the need for more opportunities to practice coaching techniques in a realistic context. Practical exercises were considered the most beneficial part of the training and participants expressed a strong desire for more hands-on learning. This aligns with previous research emphasizing the importance of interactive methods and real-world examples for developing coaching competence (Davies et al., 2020; Maini et al., 2020). Coaches also appreciated the psychological aspects of coaching, including the realization that behavior change can be simple when the coachee experiences an “aha” moment, mirroring findings by Maini et al. (2020).

Despite feeling generally prepared, all coaches reported uncertainty regarding their skills and their ability to effectively support clients. This contrasts with previous findings in which participants expressed increased confidence post-training (Davies et al., 2020; Pounds et al., 2015). One contributing factor may have been the time gap between training and actual coaching, which has also been identified as a challenge by Noll et al. (2022). Offering immediate opportunities to apply learned skills could help reinforce confidence and competence.

The coaching process was largely successful. Both coaches and coachees were satisfied with the frequency and content of the sessions, although some coaches felt that 15-minute follow-ups were too brief. From the coachees’ perspective, the sessions were flexible and adapted to their individual needs, indicating that the coaches were able to apply their skills in a client-centered manner. This observation supports previous findings on the importance of tailoring coaching methods to individual preferences (Mitchell et al., 2021; Thom et al., 2015). Coaches reported that the PrioMed^® health coaching training was helpful in their coaching practice, and they made efforts to apply the skills they had learned. Support was provided by the training materials, peer discussions among the coaches, and collegial support, which has previously been identified as a key factor for successful implementation (Clason et al., 2023). One recurring challenge was that coaches tended to revert to familiar approaches rather than fully utilizing the new methods introduced in the training. This may indicate a need for more practice-based training and real-life application scenarios to encourage more diverse method use.

Coaching was primarily conducted by phone, and while most participants were satisfied, some expressed a preference for in-person sessions, particularly among those less comfortable with technology. This finding echoes prior research supporting the effectiveness of digital health coaching (Kappes et al., 2023; Kim, 2019), while also highlighting the need for accessibility considerations across different participant groups.

Coaching topics were most self-selected and related to physical activity, nutrition, and sleep, consistent with previous findings (Young et al., 2020). Participants felt that choosing personally meaningful themes helped increase their motivation and could lead to secondary benefits in other areas. For example, improved sleep often led to greater physical activity, which in turn reinforced sleep quality. Coachees found health coaching to be a meaningful and motivating approach for making changes in their behaviors. The majority of coachees were either very satisfied or satisfied with the coaching they received, feeling that it supported them in achieving their goals and addressing the specific issues they sought help for. Similar results have been found in other studies examining coachees’ experiences with health coaching (Mitchell et al., 2021; Thom et al., 2015).

Coaches reported that coachees responded well to the coaching process. Noticeable behavioral changes often occurred within two to four sessions, particularly among coachees who were already somewhat ready for change. Motivation and internal reflection were seen as crucial to progress. Coaches played a key role in guiding clients toward small, manageable steps—an approach supported by Thom et al., 2015).

The importance of follow-up sessions was strongly emphasized by both coaches and coachees. The sense of accountability—knowing that one would report on progress— was described as motivating and encouraging (Kivelä et al., 2014). Some coachees used wearable devices to monitor their progress, which they found helpful and motivating, echoing the findings of Young et al. (2020).

The number of coachees per coach varied, and opinions on the ideal caseload differed. Balancing coaching responsibilities with regular healthcare duties was experienced as burdensome at times. Future programs should allow more time for preparation and delivery of coaching. Unlike in some previous studies (e.g., Nessen, 2014), role conflict between healthcare provider identity and coaching roles did not emerge in this study.

On the contrary, coaches felt their healthcare backgrounds enhanced their understanding of clients’ situations. This supports earlier research suggesting that nurses are well-suited to health coaching due to their communication and patient-centered care skills (Obro et al., 2023).

The training was effective in strengthening coaching competencies and confidence in using behavior change techniques, consistent with findings by Engelhard et al. (2018). Positive outcomes were achieved in this study within six months, but the long-term sustainability of these changes was not assessed. Dwinger et al. (2020) noted that some behavior changes reverted over time, suggesting that extended follow-up may be necessary to maintain changes.

In summary, coaches viewed the training positively but felt unable to fully absorb the amount of information presented during the short course or to develop sufficient readiness for practical coaching. Nevertheless, this uncertainty was not perceived by coachees, who experienced the coaching as supportive and motivating. They highlighted the coaches’ crucial role in creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Coachees felt they had gained practical tools for changing their behavior and new insights into how healthy habits could gradually become lasting lifestyle changes.

Through the coaching process, the coaches’ competence improved, and they emphasized that a background in healthcare provided an essential foundation for effective coaching, particularly in understanding clients’ health-related concerns and contexts. However, coaching was also perceived as an additional burden when performed alongside other healthcare responsibilities.