Table 1 Corbin and Strauss Phases, Definitions and Goals of Management
Trajectory Phase | Phase Definition | Phase Management Goals |
|---|---|---|
Pretrajectory | Prior to the onset of the illness | Prevention of chronic illness |
Trajectory Onset | Illness signs and symptoms are present | Diagnosis and forming trajectory projection |
Crisis | Life threatening episode that requires emergency or critical care | Removing the threat |
Acute | Illness is active and requires management in the hospital | Control the illness and resume normal activities of daily living (ADLs) |
Stable | Course of illness and/or symptoms controlled by regimen | Maintenance of illness stability and ADLs |
Unstable | Course of illness and/or symptoms are not controlled by regimen, but does not require hospitalization, being managed at home | Return to stable phase |
Downward | Progressively deteriorating with an increase in disability and symptoms | Adapting to the disability and managing symptoms |
Dying | The immediate time period, hours to weeks, preceding death | Peaceful death |