Balint groups' possible role in self-care and job satisfaction of general practitioners-Aqualitative study.

Abstract

Concerns are growing when it comes to the shortage of primary care physicians, therefore it seems necessary to take acloser look at job satisfaction and self-care as one of many influences on career choice. Ahigher job satisfaction reduces the risk to experience burnout and job-related stress and in addition it will contribute to staying in the profession. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of regular participation in Balint groups on job satisfaction and self-care among general practitioners. Descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured expert interviews of 7general practitioners. Thematical analysis of data and narrative summary. Atotal of 402 coded segments were categorized into 8main themes and 39subthemes. Interviewees emphasized changes in self-care and job satisfaction as aresult of Balint work and mentioned Balint work as aburnout prophylaxis for themselves. Competences that were learnt or improved through Balint work were described as well as aspects such as feedback and connection with colleagues or professional challenges and difficulties. The results of the study give rise to the assumption that regular participation in Balint groups might help to improve self-care, resilience, and contribute to job satisfaction. Further research is needed before ageneral recommendation can be made. Many positive aspects were described by the experts, while no harmful negative influences of Balint work were identified.