Using the patient activation measure to examine the self-management support needs of a population of UK workers with long-term health conditions. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hemming, Sally; Munir, Fehmidah
• Is Part Of: Chronic illness. Volume 18:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 702
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: self-management support -- workplace -- patient activation -- chronic illness -- long-term health conditions; Chronic diseases -- Periodicals; 616.04405
• DOI: 10.1177/17423953211043492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-3953

Abstract

Objectives: To examine differences in patient activation and self-management support needs in a population of UK workers with long-term health conditions. Methods: Demographic, health and activation information were taken from the data of participants with long-term conditions, collected via an online cross-sectional survey of workers. The 13-item British patient activation measure measured workers knowledge, skills and confidence towards self-managing. Results: Three hundred and seven workers with mental health, musculoskeletal and other conditions completed the patient activation measure. Mental health conditions were most prevalent (36.8%). Workers were higher activated, however workers with mental health conditions were significantly less activated ( p = 0.006). Differences in activation by condition severity and age were revealed. Discussion: This study provides insight to the activation of UK workers with long-term conditions. Whilst workers with mental health conditions need more training and education to self-manage, workers are variably activated indicating broader support needs. There is a gap for workplace self-management support. The patient activation measure is used in healthcare to improve people's self-management and should be considered to be included in the workplace, and could form part of interventions to support workers self-management. More rigorous studies, including the patient activation measure, are needed to identify the best approaches to identifying workers self-management support needs.