Takeaway
Levels of patient activation improved only slightly over time during and after stroke rehabilitation.
Why this matters
50% of stroke patients develop chronic conditions, which require self-management strategies in order to improve activities of daily living and independence.
Patient activation (that is, the proactive role of the patient in their own care) is a prerequisite to efficient self-management and should be incorporated as a treatment goal during rehabilitation. It has been shown that patients who are more activated have better health outcomes.