Measuring the patient activation in HIV-infected patients: A tool to predict health outcomes and optimize care. A study protocol

BACKGROUNG: Greater involvement of patients in taking care of their health is seen as one of the elements to improve the management of chronic conditions. The face of the HIV has shifted to a chronic affection due to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Thus, according to the Chronic Care Model, activated patients are essentials to achieve optimal health outcomes. Patient activation, defined as the knowledge, the skill and the willingness of people to play a role in managing their health, has been associated with a broad range of health-related outcomes, including better clinical indicators and self-management, fewer hospitalizations, and lower health care costs. We aim to use the patient activation measure (PAM) as a tool to optimize the management of HIV-infected patients by level of activation. [...