title: The meaning of "otherness" in healthcare planning.
abstract: Otherness holds special meaning in healthcare planning. When clinicians assign the quality of "otherness" to a patient or a patient group, they may justify inadequate care by blaming the patient for the numerous management difficulties he or she presents. This response suggests that as a culture we need to be aware of the moral dimensions of otherness and recognize how this influences care. A case study is offered to illustrate the numerous barriers otherness poses in healthcare planning.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology*