Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What does the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) assess?

1. Patient awareness of medical bills

2. Patient's level of activation and engagement in health

3. Physician's performance in treatment

4. Hospital compliance with regulations

The correct answer is: Patient's level of activation and engagement in health

The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is designed to evaluate a patient's knowledge, skills, confidence, and motivation in managing their own health and healthcare. It specifically assesses the degree to which patients are activated in their self-management—essentially measuring how engaged they are in their health and the extent to which they understand their health conditions and feel capable of managing them effectively. This construct is vital because an activated patient is more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, follow treatment plans, and utilize healthcare services appropriately. By understanding a patient's level of activation, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to enhance patient engagement, leading to better health outcomes. In contrast, options related to patient awareness of medical bills, physician performance, or hospital compliance do not specifically address the focus of the PAM, which is centered on patient engagement and self-management.