Can a Coach Approach Work in Telehealth? Here’s What the Research—and the Real World—Reveal

Introduction

As telehealth becomes a permanent fixture in healthcare, allied health professionals are asking: Can a Coach Approach in healthcare really succeed in a virtual setting? Recent research says yes—and offers actionable insights for practitioners committed to connection, collaboration, and results.

A 2024 study by Lichtenauer et al. (Digital Health Journal) explored how coaching-informed care translates to telehealth, drawing on interviews with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses. The findings are directly relevant to Function First Coaching’s community and reinforce the power of intentional, partnership-based care—even on a screen.

Key Findings: What the Study Found

The good news? Both patients and professionals reported strong acceptance and approval of telehealth. However, the shift to a virtual setting comes with changes in communication style, logistical flow, and even how motivation is expressed or perceived. Digital skills, environment, and relational presence became central components of a successful experience.

In coaching, our ability to build trust, co-create goals, and hold space for reflection doesn’t disappear in a virtual room—but it does require awareness and intentionality.

Researchers identified six core categories that shape the telehealth coaching experience. Each category offers both opportunities and challenges, depending on how clinicians approach them.

Returning to the Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) Framework

To ground these findings in practice, we’re first revisiting the Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) Framework. This model outlines the core steps that shape a coaching-informed interaction. Following the framework visual, you’ll see a summary table that maps key telehealth insights to each DICA step—highlighting how intentional coaching principles can thrive in virtual care.

Telehealth Coaching: What the Research—and the Real World—Reveal

Table 1. Telehealth Coaching: Dive Into a Coach Approach® (DICA) Summary

Category	Telehealth Insights for Coaching Practice	DICA Implications
Person	High acceptance, flexibility, motivation and digital skills matter	Use DICA ‘Define’ step of the framework to co-design sessions; assess readiness and tech literacy
Communication	Nonverbal cues limited, verbal focus required	Use DICA Techniques: name the shift, active listening; create verbal safety
Interaction	Trust possible, comfort at home, effort needed	Use DICA Mindset principles; set expectations; create emotional safety digitally
Process	Structured prep and follow-up, goal focus	Maintain structure; personalize goals; use DICA 4-step framework
Organization	Flexible scheduling, workflow shifts	System-level benefits; highlight efficiency in proposals
Environment	Comfort vs. distraction, tech quality	Shape the coaching space digitally; professional setup

“Relationships, attunement, and trust can thrive in a virtual setting—if we’re intentional.”

Putting It Into Practice: The Dive Into a Coach Approach® Lens

This research reinforces what many of us in coaching-informed practice already know: relationships, attunement, and trust can thrive in a virtual setting—if we’re intentional.

It also challenges outdated assumptions that coaching must happen in person to be effective. With some thoughtful preparation, your online sessions can feel just as connected, relational, and impactful as those held face-to-face.

If you’re using the Dive Into a Coach Approach® framework, the findings align most closely with the DEFINE step, where partnership is established, expectations are set, and the foundation for collaboration is built. Whether virtual or in-person, this foundation is critical—and fully achievable via telehealth.

Final Thoughts

The evidence is clear: a Coach Approach not only works in telehealth, it may be one of our most powerful tools for humanizing digital care. With thoughtful preparation and adaptive methods, practitioners can deliver connection, trust, and results—even through a screen.

Reference

Lichtenauer, N., Schlachetzki, F., Eberl, I., & Meussling-Sentpali, A. (2024). Differences in teletherapy and telecare?—Experiences of health professionals and patients with video communication in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Digital Health, 10, 20552076241301963. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241301963