Balint groups. Examining the doctor-patient relationship

The psychological care of patients in a general practice setting is an important issue, and one currently receiving attention, as are the problems of stress and the mental health of general practitioners. Balint groups have been effectively used to assist in these domains.

To describe the functioning of Balint groups as they were originally developed, and review the findings that have arisen from them concerning the nature of general practice and the doctor-patient relationship and to examine the role Balint groups can play in modern general practice.

Balint groups are a way of helping doctors reflect upon their style of relating to patients. This helps in gaining a deeper understanding of patients and their needs. At the same time, Balint groups facilitate understanding of the uncertainties of medical practice, reducing GP stress and increasing work satisfaction. Balint groups make a useful contribution to general practice CME, helping GPs to be receptive to the psychological needs of patients and facilitating the understanding and management of difficult cases.