Using Systematic Measurement to Target Consumer Activation Strategies

Current policy directions place high expectations on consumers, pressing them to adopt new roles and behaviors. The price of failing to meet these expectations will be high for the individual, for the care delivery system, and for the society as a whole. Yet there is limited support in place to help consumers meet these expectations. The article reviews the major approaches used to stimulate consumer engagement in health and health care. The concept of activation is explored as a possible organizing construct for informing strategies to increase consumer involvement in health. Illustrative data are presented that show how activation levels are associated with engaging in specific health behaviors. The strategy of measuring activation and calibrating both the type and the amount of support for consumers is discussed as a way to improve current approaches. Tailoring activation to the individual, group, and community level is also explored.