PAM evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Independent evaluation of the feasibility of using the Patient Activation Measure in the NHS in England
IRAS ID
174689
Contact name
Natalie Armstrong
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
‘Patient activation’ describes the skills, confidence and knowledge a person has in managing her/his own health and healthcare. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is a measurement scale of patient activation based on patients’ responses to questions. The resulting score from completion of the questionnaire places a patient at one of four levels of activation, each of which reveals insight into a range of health-related characteristics.
Research has started to show how patient activation may be linked to health and health-related outcomes, and the PAM has been used in the USA to support the management of patients with long-term conditions. Little is known about how this tool could best be implemented and used in the NHS context.
The PAM evaluation aims to provide evidence, by studying five CCGs and one disease registry using the PAM across a range of approaches to improving care and supporting self-management. Our aims are to understand how the PAM is being used in practice, how its use develops over time, and to determine the impact of using the PAM in participating organisations.
This qualitative study uses ethnographic methods (observation, interviews and documentary analysis) to provide generalisable learning about using the PAM and its possible role in improving outcomes, and will provide feedback to help refine its use. Researchers will visit organisations to find out about how the PAM is being used, and will be asking staff and patients if they would be willing to talk about their experiences. These interviews are entirely voluntary. Where appropriate, we will also observe interactions between staff and patients to understand the PAM in use.
The overall study duration is 26 months (November 2014 to February 2017). Work package 1 includes all six organisations and is defined as a service evaluation. Work package 2, which this ethics application covers, includes the five CCGs.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0860
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion