As particularidades do trabalho profissional de Assistentes sociais nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva no Campo da Alta Complexidade do SUS

Abstract

This study analyzes the specificities of professional social work in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs), which are part of the high-complexity care level within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). The research, qualitative and exploratory in nature, was based on the analysis of academic literature and the internship experience in a public hospital. The study highlighted particular aspects such as shift work, the management of social discharges, and the intensification of the work pace, among other practices that shape the dynamics of this setting. It was also observed that high-complexity care presents demands similar to those encountered in other areas of social work practice; however, these demands take on specific characteristics due to their inclusion in this level of healthcare.