Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Working With Patients Living With Obesity in the Intensive Care Unit: A Study of Nurses' Experiences
Jacqueline Marie Shea1, Marilou Gagnon
1The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario (Ms Shea); and School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario (Dr Gagnon).
Increasing numbers of patients living with obesity (PLWO) are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of ICU nurses who work with PLWO using the Othering framework developed by Canales in 2010. The first theme describes how PLWO become "Others" in the ICU. The second theme focuses on exclusionary Othering and how it manifests itself in the way PLWO are cared for and viewed. The third theme sheds light on inclusionary Othering in the form of strategies that are used by nurses to engage with PLWO. The last theme takes a closer look at the ICU environment and how resources impact the experiences of nurses working with PLWO.
Increasing numbers of patients living with obesity (PLWO) are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of ICU nurses who work with PLWO using the Othering framework developed by Canales in 2010. The first theme describes how PLWO become "Others" in the ICU. The second theme focuses on exclusionary Othering and how it manifests itself in the way PLWO are cared for and viewed. The third theme sheds light on inclusionary Othering in the form of strategies that are used by nurses to engage with PLWO. The last theme takes a closer look at the ICU environment and how resources impact the experiences of nurses working with PLWO.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management