Application of the chronic illness trajectory framework in self-management of patient with chronic disease:a scoping review

YANG Miaoling; YANG Mingying; LIU Yuqin; WANG Huixiao; WANG Ya; KONG Yue

doi:10.12102/j.issn.2095-8668.2025.23.009

Abstract：This study conducts a scoping review on the current application of the Chronic Illness Trajectory Theory (CITF) in self-management of patients with chronic diseases. By analyzing specific details of theoretical application, it clarifies the core content elements and current research limitations, providing reference for future development of standardized and personalized self-management programs based on CITF. Methods: Relevant literature was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBase, China Biological Medicine Literature Service System, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, with the search period ranging from the establishment of the databases to January 25, 2025. Literature was selected and data extracted according to inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 13 articles were included, 11 in Chinese and 2 in English. The health education content elements based on CITF involve six themes: disease-related knowledge, psychological management, self-growth, self-management ability, multi-dimensional support system, and functional recovery. Eight application methods include knowledge dissemination, psychological and cognitive adjustment, individualized program development, targeted guidance, goal and process management, multidisciplinary team collaboration, follow-up and re-examination, and informal support networks. Conclusion: Integrating CITF with theories of health behavior change can more comprehensively reveal the interaction between patient behavior and disease. Future research should establish more professional multidisciplinary teams, use digital and intelligent technologies to build a comprehensive evaluation index system, explore the synergistic pathways of patient empowerment and cultural adaptation, and establish a chronic disease management model covering all stages including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, continuously improving the quality and effectiveness of chronic disease management.