ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the expected quick trajectory in relation to the structural conditions and social interaction consequences and problems that arise as staff manages these trajectories along one or another hospital career. The temporal determinancy of the expected quick trajectory allows the staff to schedule work. Closely related to the danger-period type of quick trajectory is the "crisis" trajectory. In this case, a crisis that may result in quick death is expected, but it has no defined time of onset or duration. The high degree of temporal determinancy typical in expected quick trajectories usually means that there is family in the nearby waiting room or hallway waiting for news. The disparity between professional and lay perceptions of the trajectory did not narrow when this patient returned home. Giving the patient in an expected quick-dying trajectory no chance to live not only reflects his physical condition; it may also say a great deal about the hospital and ward he is in.
