Effectiveness of an Employee Wellbeing Coaching Programme Delivered Across Primary Healthcare in England

This study aimed to evaluate the results of a coaching programme, delivered virtually by external coaches, to support the psychological wellbeing of primary healthcare workers in England including general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and optometrists. Changes in perceived wellbeing and resilience were measured using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) and Brief Resilience Coping Scale (BRCS). 662 participants completed pre- and post-coaching surveys. Of these, 216 also completed a follow-up survey. 20 interviews were conducted. Average scores significantly improved between pre-coaching and post-coaching on both SWEMWBS (partial η²=0.149) and BRCS (partial η²=0.134) and significantly declined between post-coaching and follow-up. Wellbeing scores at follow-up were greater than at pre-coaching. Increased wellbeing led to less intentions to leave (individual level) and increased most following multiple sessions. From interviews, wider impact was indicated (team and sector levels) which included supporting others and managing rising demand. This study increases our understanding of coaching as an intervention for employee wellbeing. Impact beyond individual level has emerged (e.g. improved team relationships). Previous research utilizes smaller samples or excludes follow-up data. Employers of time-pressured employees should consider short coaching sessions and how to sustain outcomes for longer.