Using the illness trajectory framework to describe recovery from traumatic injury

Abstract

This paper seeks to highlight the utility of the Corbin and Strauss Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework in describing recovery from traumatic injury and encourages consideration of its implementation into contemporary trauma nursing (Corbin and Strauss, 1991; 1992). To date, few such frameworks have been proposed to sensitize health professionals to the path of recovery following traumatic injury. Although this framework was initially conceived for use in the domain of chronic illness, the lasting effects of severe traumatic injury have significant parallels to chronic conditions such as stroke (Burton, 2000) and multiple sclerosis (Miller, 1993) to which the framework has previously been applied. This paper demonstrates the Trajectory Framework as a useful structure to potentially enhance the development of post-discharge interventions for trauma survivors and encourages consideration of its implementation into the nursing management of this complex patient group.