The proceduralization of relational work: the case of French public psychiatry  

The aim of this article is to take stock of the proceduralization of care work in adult psychiatric services in France on the basis of empirical surveys. Processes of procedural rationalization of activity have been developing in psychiatry, as in all relational work, since the 1980s, but in a specific way, relatively late and with controversy. Grounded on qualitative surveys in several public psychiatric centers, and using a grid of proceduralization levels, the practices most affected by procedural rationalization are described and the factors of acceptance or resistance are identified. Hypotheses can be inferred for all relational professions.