Chronic Illness and Health

Health trajectory is the pattern of a person's health over time (Zangerle & Kingston, 2016). Health over time stems from numerus factors operational within a nested genetic, social, behavioral, environmental, biological, political, cultural, and financial contexts that change as an individual develops and grows. Nurses must understand the causes of change and course of change in health over time to better aid their patients in adapting to possible changes in the future.

That is why managing the health of patients over time involves research not just in potential problems patients may face, but also in theories that can help facilitate a greater overall understanding. One such article aimed to promote understanding of patient processes through self-management processes. "Three categories of self-management processes were identified: focusing on illness needs; activating resources; and living with a chronic illness. Healthcare providers can best facilitate self-management by coordinating self-management activities, recognizing that different self-management processes vary in importance to patients over time" (Schulman-Green et al., 2012, p. 136).

Many people now live with chronic illnesses to the point where they need sufficient patient education to cope with their increasing and changing needs. By recognizing the various self-management processes patients must endure, nurses can help patients effectively manage their illness or health problems over time. This is because nurses will be better equipped to educate their patients in the areas they need the most help in like living with chronic illness and activating resources. Activating resources is a crucial step in effectively managing health problems over time.

Many patients suffering from chronic diseases require referrals, various forms of therapy and medications in order to live comfortably and with minimal complications and pain. Therefore, if nurses recognize this need, they can mobilize and plan accordingly for the patient. They can look for or recommend medical professionals to assist the patient in dealing with their health problems. They can also recommend exercise and healthy eating habits to curb problems down the road due to poor lifestyle. Recommendations cannot just come from understanding what patients need.

It must also come from researching theory. The Health Change Trajectory Model is a theoretical framework that provides a better handling of uncertain or ambiguous health outcomes. "...Health Change Trajectory Model, provides original conceptual definitions that operationalize trajectory framework in the context of changes in health. The use of a health trajectory perspective extends applications of the model to a wide range of health changes" (Christensen, 2015, p. 55). Essentially, it promotes positive adaptation to changes within a person's health through a lifetime.

By conceptualizing the nurse as a partner in health change management, this theoretical framework puts a strong emphasis on client/patient and nurse partnership. It allows the patient to be in charge of shaping his or her health management trajectory. Giving patients the tools and knowledge to help themselves cope with illness over time is a great way for nurses (specifically in primary care) to help. Nurses are the bridge between medicine and lifestyle.

This model gives a deeper understanding of what a nurse needs to do to help a patient manage his or her illness over time. In conclusion, nurses are an integral part of patient care. Nurse practitioners should, especially as primary care nurses, become acquainted with the.