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Rheumatology patients’ perceptions of patient activation and the Patient Activation Measure: A qualitative interview study

Jones, Bethan; Hunt, Andrew; Hewlett, Sarah; Harcourt, Diana; Dures, Emma

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Authors

Bethan Jones

Andrew Hunt

Diana Harcourt Diana2.Harcourt@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Appearance Research

Emma Dures Emma2.Dures@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Rheumatology and Self-management



Abstract

Introduction: An important aspect of self-management is patient activation (the skills, abilities and confidence someone uses to actively manage their health). The dominant method of capturing patient activation is the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) which has been integrated into many aspects of clinical practice in musculoskeletal care. However, limited research has investigated how rheumatology patients understand and perform patient activation, and how closely their perceptions align with the PAM. Methods: Seventeen patients from two rheumatology departments in South West England participated in semi-structured interviews at two timepoints. They discussed how they actively managed their health and their views on the PAM. Data on activation were analysed using framework analysis and data on the PAM were analysed using content analysis. Results: Participants self-managed with determination, finding ways to make small, sustainable behaviour changes and effectively navigate the healthcare system. They reported the value of knowing what self-management techniques suited them individually and reported benefitting from positive perceptions of their own health and good social support. Participants noted that the PAM did not always capture the fluctuating nature of their inflammatory arthritis and the collaborative nature of healthcare. Conclusions: Patients' perceptions and experiences of patient activation covered a wide range of skills, behaviours and beliefs. However, these are not always captured by the PAM. Therefore, its use as a clinical tool is best accompanied by dialogue with patients to understand their self-management.

Citation

Jones, B., Hunt, A., Hewlett, S., Harcourt, D., & Dures, E. (2022). Rheumatology patients’ perceptions of patient activation and the Patient Activation Measure: A qualitative interview study. Musculoskeletal Care, 20(1), 74-85. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1555

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 7, 2021
Online Publication Date Apr 7, 2021
Publication Date 2022-03
Deposit Date Apr 7, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Musculoskeletal Care
Print ISSN 1478-2189
Electronic ISSN 1557-0681
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 1
Pages 74-85
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1555
Keywords Chiropractics; Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation; Rheumatology; Nursing (miscellaneous); Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7248929
Additional Information Received: 2021-02-02; Accepted: 2021-03-06; Published: 2021-04-07

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