Decade of difference

Research led by Griffith University Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine and Dentistry revealed The COACH Program^TM offered to HBF members with cardiovascular disease, reduced cardiovascular-related deaths by 34% and hospitalisations by 8%, achieving an average annual reduction in healthcare costs of $1,499.

The 10-year study, recently published in the American Journal of Medicine, analysed data from 2,271 Program participants and demonstrated clinically significant improvements in lifestyle and biomedical risk factors, in addition to a notable reduction in mortality risk and hospitalisations.

The COACH Program^TM, is an Australian telephone health coaching program designed to close critical treatment gaps for people living with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Australia, claiming one life every 12 minutes. The Program is designed to manage risk factors to clinical guideline recommended targets, offering participants the potential for improved health outcomes and quality of life.

With personalised support through a six-month telephone coaching service, the Program is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals based at HBF’s Perth office. It provides tailored recommendations on managing chronic conditions, including medication, lifestyle changes, and goal setting for discussion with their doctors.

HBF Chief Medical Officer and General Manager for Member Outcomes, Dr Andy Papa-Adams said: “Cardiovascular disease is a major health issue in Australia, affecting one in six people. The COACH Program^TM has shown that targeted coaching can improve key risk factors like cholesterol and weight, resulting in healthier blood pressure levels and improved overall wellbeing. The study highlights the benefits of personalised health management, which can significantly lower cardiovascular risks and reduce healthcare costs through goal setting and accountability with a health coach.”

Professor Joshua Byrnes from Griffith University said: “Our research demonstrates that tailored coaching is not just effective but essential in managing chronic diseases. The long-term benefits of this program highlight how personalised care can lead to better health outcomes and substantial cost savings.”

Participant of The COACH Program^TM and HBF member, June Booth from Como, said: “Before joining The Program, I struggled with heart damage from past cancer treatment. The guidance I received from my health coach, Phaedra, was wonderful. She was easy to talk to and I could ask her anything. The six months on the program made me more aware of what was going on in my body. It made me want to ask my doctors questions, whereas I wouldn’t have done that before. I would absolutely recommend The COACH Program^TM to anyone in a similar situation. Plus, it was fully covered for me as part of my HBF hospital cover.”

In FY24 alone, over 4,400 HBF members accessed preventative support, with nearly 2,000 participating in chronic disease management programs. These initiatives are expected to generate significant claims savings over the next decade.

The COACH Program can be accessed via HBF’s website The COACH Program | HBF Health Insurance or by calling HBF on 133 423.

Health Providers can refer patients to The Program by calling 1300 886 513.