Patient Activation: A Learnable Skill for Better Pain Management

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but one factor that significantly improves health outcomes is patient activation—an individual’s knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing their health and healthcare. The good news? Patient activation is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time.

What is Patient Activation?

Patient activation refers to a person’s ability and willingness to take an active role in their healthcare. Research shows that people with higher activation levels are more engaged in their treatment, make healthier lifestyle choices, and experience better health outcomes. Conversely, those with lower activation tend to be passive in their care, are less likely to follow medical advice, and have higher rates of hospital admissions.

Why Does Patient Activation Matter?

Studies have found that activated patients:

• Engage in healthier behaviors, such as increased physical activity and better nutrition.
• Utilize healthcare services more effectively, leading to fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
• Are more likely to follow treatment plans, monitor symptoms, and collaborate with healthcare providers.
• Experience better control over chronic conditions, which can lead to improved long-term health outcomes.

How Can You Increase Your Activation Level?

Becoming an engaged and proactive patient is a journey that involves learning new skills and building confidence. Here are some key ways to improve your activation level:

1. Believe in Your Role
   • Recognize that you play an essential part in your health management. The first step to activation is acknowledging that your actions impact your well-being.
2. Educate Yourself
   • Learn about your condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies. Resources like the I-Engage Academy provide free eLearning courses on pain management, nutrition, mental health, and sleep to help you build knowledge and skills.
3. Take Action
   • Apply what you learn in daily life. This can include tracking symptoms, incorporating movement into your routine, and making informed decisions about your care.
4. Engage with Healthcare Providers
   • Prepare for medical appointments by listing questions and concerns in advance. Research suggests that activated patients communicate more effectively with providers and participate in shared decision-making.
5. Seek Support
   • Programs that emphasize peer support, problem-solving, and skill development can significantly boost activation levels. Support groups and guided resources, such as meditation and yoga videos, can provide additional tools to stay engaged in your care.

The Path to Better Self-Management

Improving patient activation is not about achieving perfection—it’s about taking small, meaningful steps toward becoming more engaged in your health. With the right resources and mindset, anyone can develop the skills needed to navigate their healthcare journey with confidence.

By utilizing free resources like the I-Engage Academy, people with chronic pain can gain practical tools to strengthen their activation and improve their overall well-being. Remember, you are your own best advocate, and learning to take an active role in your care is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward better health.

References

• Greene, J., & Hibbard, J. H. (2012). Why does patient activation matter? An examination of the relationships between patient activation and health-related outcomes. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 27(5), 520-526.
• Hibbard, J. H., Stockard, J., Mahoney, E. R., & Tusler, M. (2004). Development of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM): Conceptualizing and measuring activation in patients and consumers. Health Services Research, 39(4 Pt 1), 1005-1026.
• Mitchell, S. E., Gardiner, P. M., Sadikova, E., Martin, J. M., Jack, B. W., & Hibbard, J. H. (2022). Patient activation and its effect on chronic disease outcomes: A systematic review. Medical Care, 60(6), 432-441.
• Change4Health. (n.d.). It Begins With You: Patient Activation. Retrieved from https://www.change4health.org/it-begins-with-you/ibwu-overview/ibwu-patient-activation/