Balint 2.0: A virtual Balint group for doctors around the world.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Primary Care

Background:

• Traditional Balint groups enhance clinician well-being and patient relationships but are limited by in-person attendance requirements.
• Geographic limitations and lack of trained facilitators hinder access to Balint groups for many clinicians worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot an international, internet-based Balint group (Balint 2.0) to overcome accessibility barriers.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and participant satisfaction of an online Balint group format.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between the World Organization of Family Doctors Young Doctors Movements and the International Balint Federation.
• Monthly internet-based group meetings utilizing videoconferencing technology.
• Session and quarterly surveys adapted from established Balint Society instruments to assess effectiveness and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Session surveys indicated high participant agreement with the videoconferencing platform's suitability for Balint groups.
• Quarterly surveys showed positive outcomes comparable to those reported for in-person Balint groups.
• The online format effectively facilitated discussions on clinician-patient relationships, burnout, and psychological mindedness.

Conclusions:

• The Balint 2.0 pilot successfully demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of internet-based Balint groups.
• Online Balint groups can achieve traditional outcomes, expanding access for clinicians in underserved or remote areas.
• Future expansion of Balint 2.0 is planned, with potential for broader adoption to increase global accessibility.