Health Coaching for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

For patients discharged with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease coronary artery disease resulting in myocardial infarction and/or congestive heart failure, this study will evaluate if the addition of 12 virtual health coaching sessions over the course of 16 weeks will improve physiological, psychological, and social health outcomes, prove acceptable and satisfactory for these patients with CVD, decrease CVD-related questions and concerns sent to the provider via MyChart, and reduce hospital readmission rates over a 90-day period as compared to patients discharged with the same diagnosis who receive standard post-discharge care. The study will also evaluate the perceptions of physician and advanced practice providers related to the health coach as part of the interprofessional team and the amount of time spent addressing CVD-related patient questions and concerns via MyChart messages.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * diagnosis of coronary artery disease resulting in myocardial infarction and/or congestive heart failure * physical condition effectively managed by routine healthcare and not requiring urgent medical attention * ability to communicate in English * access to a working phone or computer and ability to communicate via phone or computer. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have had chest coronary artery bypass surgery * Documented cognitive and/or major psychiatric disorders, including dementia, Alzheimer's, depression or anxiety uncontrolled by anxiolytic, anti-psychotic, and/or anti-depressants and/or PHQ-9 score 15-27 and GAD-7 score \>15 * current alcohol or drug dependency * resident of extended care/skilled facility * prisoners or ward of state.