Which combination best describes how to enhance patient activation?

• A. Education, coaching, goal setting, and shared decision-making.
• B. Restricting information.
• C. Ignoring patient preferences.
• D. Reducing contact.

Answer: (A)

Enhancing patient activation hinges on empowering patients with knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in their own care. Education provides the information patients need to understand their conditions and options. Coaching offers guidance, support, and encouragement to apply that knowledge in real-life situations. Goal setting gives patients concrete targets to strive for, making care plans actionable and motivating. Shared decision-making involves patients in choosing treatments and plans, which builds ownership and aligns care with their values and preferences. When these elements come together, patients feel informed, capable, and engaged, which strengthens their willingness and ability to manage their health.

Options that restrict information, ignore patient preferences, or reduce contact undermine activation by eroding autonomy, trust, and ongoing support.