LAUSR

OBJECTIVES to identify perceptions of teamwork according to the professionals of an Adult Intensive Care Unit. METHODS descriptive research with qualitative approach. The methodological framework was thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework of the work process was used to guide the interpretation of the data. Data collection: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 38 professionals in a public teaching hospital in the state of Minas Gerais. Results: three thematic categories emerged from the interviews: Work Organization, which is related to work performed through tasks/routines, with or without coordinated actions; Non-material Work Instruments, which reveal that teamwork is based on communication/collaboration; Insufficient Material Resources, which indicate that lack of material creates conflicts between professionals. CONCLUSIONS Teamwork requires effective communication and collaboration, integrated work and appropriate professional training. On the other hand, fragmentation and rigidity at work, poor collaboration/communication and lack of material make teamwork difficult. We emphasize the need to revise the curriculum of health courses, with a view to including and/or improving discussions about teamwork in order to train professionals for a more integrated and perhaps even sympathetic health practice.