Patients Actively Engaged in Their Care Fare Better, International Survey Finds
<p>Adults with complex health care needs who are engaged in their care report fewer medical errors, rate their care more highly, and hold more positive views of the health system, according to an analysis of findings from an 11-nation survey conducted by The Commonwealth Fund. But the level of <a href="/publications/journal-article/2012/mar/international-perspectives-patient-engagement-results-2011">patient engagement across countries</a> varies widely. </p><p>Previous research has shown that when patients have an active role in their own health care—from self-managing a health condition to participating in treatment decisions—the quality of their care, and their experience of care, improves. The new study, published online by the <em>Journal of Ambulatory Care Management</em>, finds that patients in Switzerland and the U.K. are the most likely to be engaged by their providers, while those in Norway and Sweden are the least engaged. In the middle range are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the U.S.</p>
<p>To learn more about the study, visit <a href="/publications/journal-article/2012/mar/international-perspectives-patient-engagement-results-2011">commonwealthfund.org</a>. And for further resources on health system performance and innovation around the world, visit The Commonwealth Fund’s <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=EA8FB3276DA942A88B16494559130CCA&_z=z">International Health Policy Center</a>.</p>
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