The PROLIFIC Study and the Concept of the Health Coach

The PROLIFIC trial [1] was published yesterday in Lancet Global Health. This trial is unique for two reasons. The first is that it is one of those rare, well-conducted, randomized control trials (RCT) out of India. The second is that it uses a unique concept that is practical and can actually make a difference in the real-world.

In this RCT, first degree family members of patients who had coronary artery disease before the age of 55 were randomized into two groups. One group received usual care with advisory every year. The second group was subjected to more intense work-up. A healthcare / social worker visited their homes at least once in two months in the first year and then monthly in the 2^nd year for an average of 13 times in two years.