HealtheSteps™ Program – FAQ for Participants

What is HealtheSteps™?

HealtheSteps™ is an evidence-based lifestyle coaching program originally developed in Canada. It is designed to help individuals improve their health and well-being through personalized support in exercise, physical activity, healthy eating, mindfulness, sleep, time in nature, and social connectedness. The program uses structured coaching, personalized goals, and behavior-change strategies to help participants build sustainable lifestyle habits. At HKU, HealtheSteps™ is being piloted as part of a research study to explore how it can benefit students and be integrated into the medical curriculum.

Who can participate?

Any HKU student aged eighteen or above who is interested in improving their lifestyle is welcome to join as a participant. Participants are expected to follow a “Code of Conduct” to ensure that Coaches are respected.

What does participation involve?

Participation begins with a short pre-screening process that includes demographic questions, the PAR‑Q+ physical activity readiness questionnaire, and a brief mental health questionnaire to ensure the program is safe and appropriate for you. Once eligible, you will attend a baseline appointment with your assigned coach, either in person or online, where you will review your personalized lifestyle goals and learn how to track your progress. You will then take part in monthly coaching sessions over six months, each lasting about 60–90 minutes. These sessions focus on reviewing progress, discussing challenges, and adjusting goals. You will also have access to online tools to support your journey. At the end of the program, you will complete a post-program questionnaire and may choose to join a short interview to reflect on your experience.

What happens when I sign up?

When you sign up for HealtheSteps™, you will first complete a short pre‑screening survey. This survey ensures that it is safe and appropriate for you to participate. Once you are cleared, you will be placed in a queue to be matched with a certified HealtheSteps™ coach. When a coach becomes available, they will contact you by email to schedule your first session.

How do sessions work?

HealtheSteps™ sessions are held either in person or over Zoom, depending on your preference and your coach’s availability. Once you and your coach agree on a time, they will send you a Zoom link or confirm a suitable venue. Sessions are one‑on‑one, 60-90minutes, and provide personalized support tailored to your goals.

How long is the program?

The program begins with one baseline session, followed by six monthly sessions. The baseline session allows you to meet your coach, learn about the program, and establish initial measures. Your first main session takes place one week later, and subsequent sessions are scheduled monthly. Most participants complete the program in about six months, although scheduling flexibility means some finish a little earlier or later.

What will I do in the program?

During your sessions, you and your coach will focus on areas such as physical activity, exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, sleep, time in nature, social connectedness, and smoking cessation if relevant. Your coach will help you assess where you are now, identify where you would like to go, and work with you to set realistic goals. Together, you will develop strategies to achieve these goals and adjust them as needed over time.

Who are the coaches?

Coaches are HKU medical students in MBBS Years II to VI who have completed formal training, certification, and competency assessments. They are not licensed healthcare professionals but are trained to deliver the HealtheSteps™ program safely and effectively. By joining HealtheSteps™, you are not only working to improve your own health but also supporting the education and training of future healthcare providers. Your coach will usually work with you throughout the entire program. If your coach is unable to continue, you will be transitioned to another coach to ensure continuity. To ensure impartiality and professionalism, you will not be matched with a coach from your same year or program, and you will not be paired with someone you already know.

When will I be matched with a coach?

After you are cleared for program entry, you will be matched with the first available coach. Because coach capacity varies depending on how many students are active in the program, matching can take anywhere from one to six weeks. If you are concerned about delays, you can contact the HealtheSteps™ team at hesteps@hku.hk.

What makes HealtheSteps™ different?

HealtheSteps™ is not about weight loss; it is about improving your lifestyle one step at a time. The program addresses four major risk factors for chronic disease: physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, poor eating habits, and mental well‑being. Unlike many health promotion programs, HealtheSteps™ is tailored to your circumstances and provides you with practical tools to make changes you can realistically maintain. It is highly evidence‑based and pragmatic, meaning the strategies are backed by research and designed to work in everyday life. Another unique aspect is the personalized “prescriptions” you create with your coach, making you an active partner in shaping your health journey.

What are the risks?

Participation is considered low risk. Some participants may require medical clearance before starting. You may occasionally find lifestyle or well-being questions personal, but you are free to skip any questions or withdraw at any time. No significant physical or psychological harms are anticipated.

What are the benefits?

Although benefits cannot be guaranteed, many participants experience improvements in physical and mental well-being, including increased energy, better mood, and improved stress management. You may also develop skills in goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-regulation, and gain confidence in making lifestyle changes. Participants often report improved health literacy, greater self-awareness, and a sense of support through coaching.

Is there compensation?

There is no financial compensation. The HealtheSteps™ Program is provided free of charge to HKU students.

Is participation voluntary?

Yes. Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time, decline to answer specific questions, or discontinue without penalty. Your decision will not affect your standing at HKU.

How is confidentiality maintained?

All personal information will be kept confidential and stored securely on encrypted servers. Only authorized members of the research team will have access to your data. No identifying information will appear in publications or presentations. Your coach will know your name and email address to facilitate communication, and email will serve as the primary method of contact. Coaches may optionally share their phone number with you, but social media should not be used for communication to maintain professionalism and confidentiality. However, as this is a health coaching with medical students who are not health professionals yet, they may ask the clinicians and research team for advice if they encounter medical-related problems outside the scope of coaching. Likewise, if information about your health is important for the coach to know prior to your first meeting with them, the research team may inform them.

How will the data be used?

Findings from this study may be published in academic journals or presented at conferences. All reporting will use anonymized information only. Data may also be used for curriculum development, teaching, or future research in lifestyle-medicine education.

Interested in joining?

Please register with the following link.

Where can I direct questions?

You can direct any questions to the HealtheSteps™ team at hesteps@hku.hk.