Responding respectfully to me and my life
CVD
In discussing what made the HWC meaningful, many participants discussed the whole person approach and valued that the coaching was not just focused on physical health:
“…I've seen in that coaching, it's not just the health…It's the health and wellbeing…your lifestyle, your motivation, everything comes in this coaching, that is the good part…if you just come and you talk about your health, health, health, people think…why…” (P3, Female, Moderate CVD risk)Some participants took action to improve work–life balance, occupational satisfaction, and boundaries within relationships, changes that were often seen as important in improving happiness and maintaining positive health behaviors. Participants also valued having a trusting and respectful relationship with their coach:
“…the coach becomes more like family…someone you can trust” (P8, Female, moderate CVD risk)When asked about cultural safety and whether consideration should be given to matching coaches and clients based on ethnicity or cultural background, conflicting views were expressed. Most participants felt it would be a good idea to offer this option, as for some, it would be very important, particularly in New Zealand where there is rich cultural diversity:
“I think definitely there would be some people that would prefer it…especially in some ethnic groups, they may feel intimidated and they'll say yes to anything…it may be because sometimes they don't understand the question…culturally” (P1, Male, High CVD risk)However, some raised concerns about confidentiality in small communities and suggested that best practice would be to consult with coaching participants individually on this rather than making assumptions, as a good connection may not be dependent on shared characteristics.