title: Trajectory and empowerment theory applied to care of patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Two theoretical frameworks were examined for their applicability to nursing care of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The Corbin and Strauss Trajectory Framework assumes that the course of chronic illness (eg, MS) varies over time and can be reconfigured by treatment and management. Miller's theory of chronically ill patient's empowerment to promote successful coping is derived by combining previously developed concepts of coping and empowerment to maintain control and enhance the quality of life. These theoretical frameworks offer great potential for guiding the nursing care of MS patients who require extensive repertoires of coping skills to deal with the stress of this chronic illness. However, further research is required to establish their validity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Buffalo General Hospital, New York 14203.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors