Standard operating procedures and institutionalization on the psychiatric unit.

Four specific areas—suicide precautions, isolation, privileges and drug addiction—in which institutional psychiatric units apply standard operating procedures are discussed. It is suggested that such standard procedures limit operational flexibility, and create an environment in which the staff is prone to treat “behavior” rather than treating people. Energies usually applied toward standard operating procedures could better be directed toward better communication systems and development of affective and relational aspects in the unit.