Supporting Patient Behavior Change: Approaches Used by Primary Care Clinicians Whose Patients Have an Increase in Activation Levels

The Article in Brief

Supporting Patient Behavior Change: Approaches Used by Primary Care Clinicians Whose Patients Have an Increase in Activation Levels

Jessica Greene , and colleagues

Background Patient activation (the knowledge, confidence, and skills to take care of one?s health and healthcare) is associated with health-related outcomes. This study aims to shed light on clinician behaviors that support greater activation and how these behaviors are associated with better outcomes.

What This Study Found Exemplar physicians use five key strategies to support patient behavior change. They, 1) emphasize patient ownership; 2) partner with patients; 3) identify small steps; 4) schedule frequent follow-up visits to cheer successes, problem solve, or both; and 5) show care and concern for patients. Clinicians whose patients have low activation are far less likely to describe using these approaches.

Implications

• Given the key role patients play in determining health outcomes, it is critical that primary care physicians support patient self-management and activation. The authors call for more systematic professional and organizational approaches to help clinicians adopt evidence-based strategies to support patients and increase activation levels.