All Liva coaches have different backgrounds and areas of expertise outside of the health coach role
Coaches can draw on their expertise to support their health coaching, ie in making informed, evidence-based suggestions about diet, but as a Health Coach, it is important to remember to practice within our scope.
The Health and Care Professionals Council for the UK Scope of Practice states:
“Your scope of practice is the limit of your knowledge, skills and experience. It is made up of the activities you carry out within your professional role, provided that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to do them lawfully, safely and effectively.”
HCs work as part of a ‘web of care’, not seeking to replace, but instead, enhance a member’s primary care network, encouraging the extension of seeking additional care when required.
A health coach does not replace a medical practitioner or psychological support practitioner.
Health coaches can support with lifestyle changes in key areas [programme dependent) which can include:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Stress
Coaches should be able to support in all these areas without being experts in them - we don’t need to have all the answers to be able to add value
As partners and facilitators, Liva coaches support members to use their insight, personal strengths and resources, goal setting, action steps and accountability, in developing self-management strategies for making sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and behaviour changes.
Coaches must unless otherwise credentialed and able to do so legitimately, avoid giving specific personal health advice, but may offer a client direction to health and wellness information and resources from nationally/internationally recognized, robust evidence-based and peer-reviewed authorities.
Doing no harm
In common with all health professionals, Liva coaches must follow a ‘do no harm’ mandate by refraining from or carrying out any actions that would harm our members, through:
- assessing symptoms
- diagnosing conditions
- interpreting lab results
- giving specific dietary advice
- removing food groups
- prescribing treatments or therapeutic interventions (including nutritional)
- making claims to prevent or cure any condition