Patient activation refers to the knowledge, skills, and confidence that individuals have in managing their own health and healthcare. It involves understanding one's health conditions, knowing how to navigate the healthcare system, and being proactive in making health-related decisions. Higher levels of patient activation are associated with better health outcomes and increased engagement in self-care.
The concept of patient activation is often measured using tools like the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), which assesses a person's readiness to take on the responsibilities of managing their health. By fostering patient activation, healthcare providers can empower patients to become more involved in their care, leading to improved communication and collaboration in the healthcare process.