Relationships and interactions in the Intensive Care Unit environment of care

Objective: To discuss relationships and interactions in the Intensive Care Unit's (ICU) environment of care. Methods: A qualitative study that was based on grounded theory. We interviewed 47 subjects in three different Adult ICUs, located in Florianopolis/ SC, Santa Maria / RS and Pelotas / RS, between June 2009 and September 2010. Results: In this study, two categories are presented and discussed: "network support; order / disorder and disturbances in the ICU environment" and "living with certainties, uncertainties and contradictions in the ICU environment". Conclusion: It is considered necessary to understand the ICU environment using a systemic view. And this means accepting the circularity and dynamics of the order-disorder-organization that continually (re) nourish relationships and human interactions and professionals in this environment.