Reflecting on our practice: an evaluation of Balint groups for medical students in psychiatry

Abstract

Balint groups are potentially useful to medical students in the Australian context. We suggest that Balint groups may be more useful when applied in less alienating learning environments, such as during general practice rotations. Emphasis is placed on the need to maintain a dynamic approach by adapting the group and the educational processes as the work unfolds.

Balint groups in undergraduate medical education: a systematic review

“…Each case should last between thirty minutes and one hour (The Balint Society 1994). Groups typically meet on a weekly to monthly basis, running anywhere from a few weeks to several years (Salinsky 2009;Parker & Leggett 2014;Van Roy et al 2015).…”

“…Qualitative and quantitative evidence of mixed quality suggests that 'therapeutic alliance' is influenced by Balint group participation. All except two studies (Brazeau et al 1998;Parker & Leggett 2014) measured at least one outcome or theme mapping to 'therapeutic alliance' (see last section for the findings of one study). A non-validated questionnaire reported a statistically significant between-group difference in 'empathic approach' (n=163; p=0.03; no CI or effect size reported) but not the 'empathic concern' dimension of the IRI (Airagnes et al 2014).…”

A Role for Balint Groups in Medical Student Training

“…At the same time, discomfort with self-disclosure, as has been noted by other authors, may have played at least some role. 20 Despite these attendance issues, participants stated the continuity format, with a core group, cultivated a sense of safe sharing and appreciation for the Balint process. They stated that having this structure was an improvement over the previous format of monthly school-wide meetings.…”

Developing Prosthodontic Residents’ Communication Strategies with Edentulous Patients: A Pilot Study

“…Therefore, the intervention required the use of several communication skills and psychological techniques to help residents acquire the skills necessary to obtain vital information from patients (such as eliciting patient agenda, fear, expectations), to interact with patients during procedures (understanding their nonverbal and verbal expressions, responding appropriately to the patient's psychological reactions), and to motivate the residents (to get the patient's agreement for esthetic outcome, continuous wearing, and regular follow-up visits). 41 Parker and Leggett quoted studies that advocated the educational value of Balint group for medical students in building communication and empathic skills. The positive changes in the residents' attitude after receiving this training and during the Balint session show how communication skills experts and psychologists along with subject experts may be extremely useful in providing training for dental students.…”

“…7 Balint groups provide a structured process of clinical reflection, through which a doctor's experience of the relationship with a patient can be safely discussed and professionally considered by peers for constructive comments and mutual support. 41 Parker and Leggett quoted studies that advocated the educational value of Balint group for medical students in building communication and empathic skills. 42 The Balint seminar has been used in family medicine and oncology residencies to improve and strengthen the patient-doctor relationship, improve the physician's communication skills and decrease burnout, and improve job satisfaction and well-being.…”