HCA Model Core Training

Health Change Associates (HCA) train health practitioners in the HCA Model of health change for better patient outcomes.

Outline of Core Training

The training pathways for clinicians and for managers in the HCA Model of health change are shown in the diagrams below:

• HCA Core Training Part 1: The 'Health Coaching for Health Professionals: The HCA Model' (2-day workshop) provides information about the HCA Model of Health Change and the techniques and processes required for clinicians to increase patient or client adherence to treatment and lifestyle recommendations. The training provides a stepped checklist of processes to consider, and optional tools and techniques to use when a patient or client is blocked from engaging in, or maintaining behavior change. It pays particular attention to dealing with patients or clients who are low in readiness to change, whilst also reviewing techniques to use once a decision has been made to work on a particular health issue.  It can be applied to any individual or group setting where the client is required to make behavior changes for better health outcomes. 
• HCA Core Training Part 2: 'Applying the HCA Model in Practice' (1-day workshop) builds on Part 1 by assisting clinicians to adapt the full model to their particular role and clinical practice. It reviews and practices the most critical processes to apply, particularly when patients or clients are low in readiness to make changes. The training format allows participants to clarify principles, processes and techniques, and to discuss their progress in using the HCA Model.  It provides participants with the opportunity to tailor the training content to their own needs and to work through common challenges.

Two formats are available for receiving HCA Model core training. Face-to-face workshops are offered in Australia and a distance learning option combining telephone and web-based training is available worldwide (please note, that this training is customized, please contact HCA to discuss your requirements further).

For organizations, core training also involves a module for managers with staff practicing health coaching: 'Implementing Health Coaching in the Workplace: The HCA Model'

This module provides an overview of the HCA health coaching process, in order to support staff using the model and to align organizational systems with this approach. Management input is usually required to support staff in implementing self-management behavior change strategies because in addition to learning new skills, health coaching often represents a change in the way that clinicians practice. It also often requires subsequent changes to paperwork and/or other data collection systems, reflection on key performance indicators, and allocation of time and human resources to skills development and systems integration.

The HCA Managers' module presents an overview of the HCA Model itself, the rationale for using the model within community and other health agencies, and discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing health coaching into disease prevention programs, chronic condition self-management programs and usual clinical practice. Managers are invited to raise issues and concerns for discussion with their peers.

Training for Individual Practitioners

If you are an individual practitioner looking to attend core HCA training, please click here.

In-House Training for Organizations

If you are an organization wishing to train a number of staff members in the HCA Model, please click here.