Measuring patient activation: the utility of the Patient Activation Measure within a UK context - results from four exemplar studies and potential future applications

Citation

Roberts NJ, Kidd L, Dougall N, Patel IS, McNarry S & Nixon C (2016) Measuring patient activation: the utility of the Patient Activation Measure within a UK context - results from four exemplar studies and potential future applications. Patient Education and Counseling, 99 (10), pp. 1739-1746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2016.05.006

Abstract
Objective  Patient activation can be measured using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) developed by Hibbard et al., however, little is known about the uses of the PAM in research and in practice. This study aims to explore its differing utility in four UK exemplar sites.  Methods  Data from four exemplars in a range of health settings with people living with long-term conditions (i.e. stroke or COPD) were evaluated. PAM scores were described and explored in relation to clinical and sociodemographic variables and outcome measures.  Results  PAM scores illustrated that most with COPD or stroke reported PAM levels of 3 or 4, indicating that they are engaging, but may need help to sustain their scores. The exemplars illustrate the utility of, and potential issues involved in, using PAM as a process/outcome measure to predict activation and the effectiveness of interventions, and as a tool to inform tailoring of targeted interventions.  Conclusions  The PAM tool has been shown to be useful as an outcome measure, a screening tool to tailor education, or a quality indicator for delivery of care.  Practice implications  However good demographic and patient historyareneeded to substantiate PAM scores. Further work is needed to monitor PAM prospectively.

Keywords
patient activation; self-management; long term conditions

Journal
Patient Education and Counseling: Volume 99, Issue 10