Increasing patient activation scores of vulnerable youth by partnering medical residency programs with public high schools

Objective: To assess whether participation in Stanford Youth Coaches Programs (SYCP) increases patient activation scores and patient activation levels for vulnerable youth from low income communities.

Methods: From 2016 to 18, seven high schools and four residency programs in California, Alabama, Kansas and Missouri participated in SYCPs. Enrolled youth participants completed online pre and post-participation surveys including the Patient Activation Measure (PAM®10). We used paired T-tests, chi square tests, and linear multivariate models to compare pre-and post-scores and levels.

Results: 143 participants completed pre- and post-participation surveys. The PAM®10 mean pre-test score was 64.5 and post-test was 69.37, with mean difference 4.89 (p=.002). Participants showed significant improvement in patient activation levels after participation. 60 % participants in lowest activation Level 1; 63 % in Level 2; and 32 % in Level 3 moved to a higher level of activation after participation; 46 % who started in Level 4 moved down to Level 3 after participation.

Conclusion and practice implications: Participation in SYCPs has potential to significantly increase patient activation for vulnerable youth which could lead to lifelong improvements in health outcomes and decrease in healthcare costs.