Shifting healthcare paradigms demand new delivery models and intervention methods. Recent healthcare reform raises the bar for clients’ ability to manage their health and wellness. Coaching is gaining attention and showing positive outcomes as a method for assisting clients with self-management (SM). The domain and process of occupational therapy (OT) makes it an ideal fit for assisting clients with managing their health, and the philosophies of coaching and OT are well-aligned. Practitioners’ with knowledge and skills in coaching may be better prepared to assist clients in managing their health and wellness. Yet, education in coaching tools and techniques for entry-level OT practitioners is lacking. This project aims to heighten the awareness of the profession, especially educators, on the benefits of coaching and provide an argument for the value of training entry-level practitioners in coaching. Training the next generation of OT practitioners in skills that are proven to promote occupational performance within emerging healthcare systems is vital. Integrating coaching into curricula has potential for the OT profession to better enable clients in achieving their health related goals, show its distinct value, and make OT a powerful and widely recognized provider in meeting the needs of society.
