The role and measurement of patient activation in the management of long-term conditions in New Zealand

AIM: Patient activation represents people's knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their own health. We provide information regarding the nature of patient activation and use New Zealand data to consider its utility in New Zealand. METHODS: Self-report data using the patient activation measure (PAM) and seven health and general practice experience measures were collected from 544 general practice patients in the MidCentral region. PAM scores were used to categorise respondents into four levels of activation. Mean scores were calculated by activation level, separately for Maori (14.9%) and non Maori (85.1%). RESULTS: Patterns of activation similar to those reported in earlier research were found. More positive health and general practice experience scores were found for those at higher levels of activation for both ethnicities. The magnitudes of the differences by activation level were similar for both groups and overall differences were significant for all variables for non Maori and for three for Maori. CONCLUSIONS: The PAM behaved as it has done in previous overseas studies with respect to score distribution, reliability and validity. We recommend its use for research and clinical practice in New Zealand to assist with designing appropriate levels of LTC education and self-management support aimed at increasing health engagement.