Table 2 Summary of themes explored through interviews with stakeholders

Patients

 Their knowledge of illness, its causes and its treatment

 Patients perception of effect of the disease on their lives

 Presenting problems and care pathways

 Their experience of modern and traditional methods of help.

 Their understanding of the ideal treatment. Their knowledge of psychotherapy/CBT

Carers

 Their knowledge of the illness

 Their understanding of cause and treatment of diseases.

 The reasons for bringing patient to the hospital

 Their expectations from treatment and their experience of treatment

 Their knowledge and experience of traditional methods of help

 Their understanding of psychotherapy/CBT

Psychologists & Psychiatrists

 Their experience of working with schizophrenic patients and their families

 Their perception of pathways of care

 Their experience and expectations from psychotherapy for this patient group

 What are the barriers in providing therapy?

 What is helpful in providing therapy for this group

 Which techniques are useful

 Do they think therapy needs adapting?

 To explore their opinion on effect of culture and other factors on therapy