Graffigna et al reported the 5-item Patient Health Engagement (PHE) Scale for measuring a patient's engagement. It can be used to tailor intervention and assess changes after an intervention. The authors are from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.
Patient selection: chronic condition
Development: The initial scale had 9 items. Three items (D, E, F) were removed because of ceiling effect. Item C was removed to improve reliability.
Item |
When I think about my disease |
Points |
A |
I feel in blackout. |
1 |
|
I am in alarm. |
2 |
|
I am aware. |
3 |
|
I feel positive. |
4 |
B |
I feel dazed. |
1 |
|
I am in trouble. |
2 |
|
I am conscious. |
3 |
|
I feel severe. |
4 |
G |
When I think about my illness I feel overwhelmed by emotions. |
1 |
|
I feel anxxious every time a new symptom arises. |
2 |
|
I got used to my illness condition. |
3 |
|
Despite my illness I perceive coherence and continuity in my life. |
4 |
H |
I am very discouraged due to my illness. |
1 |
|
I feel anxious when I try to manage my illness. |
2 |
|
I feel I adjusted to my illness. |
3 |
|
I am generally optimistic about my future and my health condition. |
4 |
I |
I feel totally oppressed by my illness. |
1 |
|
I am upset when a new symptom arises. |
2 |
|
I feel I have accepted my illness. |
3 |
|
I can give sense to my life despite my illness condition. |
4 |
Point assignment in practice is done using a 7-cell response grid, with statements placed above cells 1, 3, 5, and 7. Responses in cells 1 and 2 are assigned 1 point. Responses in cells 3 and 4 are assigned 2 points. Responses in cells 5 and 6 are assigned 3 points. Reponses in cell 7 is assigned 4 points.
total score =
= SUM(points for all 5 items)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 5
• maximum score: 20
• The higher the score the better the patient's attitude.
• The higher the score the better the adherence with therapy.