Balint group as a mandatory training - Effects of Balint work as part of the psychosomatic basic care course

Abstract

Balint group as a mandatory training - Effects of Balint work as part of the psychosomatic basic care course Objectives: Participants in the psychosomatic basic care course often lack a genuine interest in Balint work. What effects does Balint work have on these inexperienced and less motivated participants? Are there differences between male and female participants and between surgical and non-surgical specialties? What are the relationships between the group leaders and the results achieved? Methods: Between 2004 and 2019, a total of 1,667 doctors completed the feedback form for the Balint group as part of the psychosomatic basic care course. The learning objectives included cognitive and emotional items, as well as questions about the group atmosphere and leadership, about the transfer to everyday medical practice and interest in further Balint work. Results: 170 Balint groups took place during the investigation period. The overall grade was on a scale from 1 to 6 with M = 1.80 (SD = 0.72). Good to very good ratings were awarded to the motivation and competence of the group leaders and the group atmosphere, as well as gaining knowledge and positive effects on everyday medical practice. There were hardly any differences between female and male participants and between surgical and non-surgical participants. However, there were significant correlations between the assessment of the leader and the effects of group work. Discussion: The predominantly positive assessment of Balint's work is surprising, both in terms of cognitive and emotional learning goals. In addition to the group atmosphere, the motivation and competence of the group leader, perceived by the participants, are closely related to the learning effects achieved. The survey shows that Balint work can achieve positive results even with less motivated participants on a compulsory course. Balint work should therefore remain an integral part of the qualification in psychosomatic basic care. Sound training and supervision of Balint group leaders are necessary.