The lived experience of professionals who work with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia : a quantitative study

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of professionals working with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Data was gathered through five semi-structured interviews and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The themes that emerged were “The Therapeutic Relationship”; “Dealing with the Symptoms”; “Going beyond the Patient” and “The Professionals‟ Experiences”. The traditional explanations of schizophrenia and the professional-patient relationship served as an underpinning of the literature and interpretation of the results. This study illustrates how professionals working with patients with schizophrenia can be key towards changing the stigma attached to mental illness and how at times, their work is undervalued.