CONCLUSION
This research project makes contributions in a number of areas. First is in the production
of knowledge about the experiences of people with schizophrenia with
medical professionals. Although the literature acknowledges the importance of a
good therapeutic relationship between people with severe mental illnesses and
their medical professionals, we offer an understanding of this relationship from the
point of view of people with schizophrenia. Our research foregrounds the consequences
of poor communication in the experiences and lives of people with schizophrenia,
and the importance of good communication with medical professionals as
a key factor in helping them to live healthy and independent lives. The interviews
provided an opportunity for group members to talk openly about very difficult
matters in their lives, especially as they were talking to each other rather than to a
“real” researcher. The data we gathered are truly a reflection of the experiences of
these people with medical professionals.