A Reflective Journey of Caring : A Case Study Between A Patient with Schizophrenia and the Interdisciplinary Team

This case study focuses on caring for a patient living with schizophrenia who has been isolated from the community caused by long-term hospitalization in Japan. Using the philosophical perspective of caring, which focuses on nurturing the wholeness and well-being of persons in caring relationship, the case study illuminates the caring, empathy, and courage among the interdisciplinary team. The purpose of this case study is to discuss the interdisciplinary caring process for patients living with schizophrenia using Carper's ways of knowing. Personal knowing is presented through the lens of patients and families and the stigma associated with mental illness. The expression of respect and caring for the patient and their families led by the interdisciplinary team aided in destigmatization of mental illness. Empirical and ethical knowing is demonstrated through the mental health care team's delivery of high quality and clinical excellence with competence, compassion and caring. Aesthetic knowing was offered by the interdisciplinary team focused on the patient's underlying hopes, dreams and aspirations. Through the support of the interdisciplinary team, patients are able to move toward their goals, hopes and dreams, externalizing tasks, as they grow together through mutual caring.