The association between patient activation and medication adherence, hospitalization, and emergency room utilization in patients with chronic illnesses: A systematic review.

•The review describes the association between PAM and selected outcomes.•PAM assesses a patient's ability to take an active role in their healthcare.•Knowing a patient's PAM score can support the management of chronic disease.•Low PAM scores are associated with increased hospitalization and ER utilization.•The relationship between PAM and medication adherence is inconclusive.