It is a research with qualitative approach, case study modality, witch had as purpose to analyze the theoretical application and the methodology of the operative groups, proposed by Pichon-Rivière in groups of people carrier of chronic degenerative disease. The research was developed in a universitarian hospital of Belo Horizonte city Minas Gerais/Brazil, by interview and direct observation of a group of seven adults with diabetes type 1, in age between 18 and 45 years old, during the meetings of the operative group. The analysis of the data was based in the indicatives of the group process referential, proposed by Pichon-Rivière (1998): affiliation and related, cooperation, communication, learning and importance. The application of the theory and of the methodology proposed by Pichon-Rivière allowed to the coordinator of the operative group and to the researchers to amplify the view about the group dynamics, what has contributed to the subjective contents, implicit in the participants' interaction was worked, but not verbalized. Besides this, the indicatives of the group process allowed to re-evaluate and to adapt the development of the operative group, guiding the developed actions in every encounter. Based in the founds of this study, the authors believe that this could be a, effectual strategy to the health professionals, in the construction of models that could involve group works.
Group Structure; Health Services; Diabetes Mellitus