Can a health coach help lung patients get better care?

NCT ID NCT03695276

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a health coach can help low-income patients with COPD or asthma get better access to lung specialists and follow their advice. 328 patients from public clinics were randomly assigned to either usual care or a health coach who prepared them for specialist visits and supported treatment plans. The goal was to see if this approach improves how many patients receive recommended medications and care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
health coach-assisted specialist consultation
What this could lead to
If successful, this model could help vulnerable patients get better access to specialist care and follow treatment recommendations more easily.
What could go wrong
This is a completed study testing a care model, not a new drug or cure. Results may not apply to all settings or patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COPD ASTHMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Castro Mission Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94131, United States

  • Family Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94110, United States

  • Maxine Hall Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94115, United States

  • Mission Neighborhood Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94110, United States

  • Ocean Park Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94122, United States

  • Potrero Hill Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94107, United States

  • Richard H. Fine People's Clinic (General Medicine Clinic)

    San Francisco, California, 94110, United States

  • Silver Avenue Family Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94134, United States

  • Southeast Health Center

    San Francisco, California, 94124, United States

  • St. Anthony Medical Clinic

    San Francisco, California, 94102, United States

  • Tom Waddell Urban Health Clinic

    San Francisco, California, 94102, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.