Social Relations in the “High Place” of Technology

Abstract

During the last few years, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has recorded massive progress in knowledge and operating possibilities, especially thanks to the techno-scientific innovations concerning biomedical technologies. The reflections expressed in this paper are the result of an interdisciplinary qualitative survey, which involved, through the creation of focus groups, about 50 health operators, doctors, and nurses, working in six Italian intensive care units. The partakers have been asked to express their personal points of view concerning end-of-life decisions. The original aspect of this narrative is a critique of the image of medical technology as being able to take a successful part in any situation and doctors’ narratives aimed at rediscovering the importance of social relations.