Balint groups: an effective tool for improving health professionals' perceived well-being.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Physician burnout significantly affects healthcare professionals' well-being and patient care quality.
• Balint groups (BGs) are established interventions focusing on the doctor-patient relationship.
• Existing research on BG effectiveness is limited by small sample sizes and descriptive designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of Balint groups.
• To evaluate the impact of Balint groups on personal and professional well-being.
• To identify factors contributing to the positive outcomes associated with Balint group participation.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 142 healthcare providers in January-February 2023.
• Participants were recruited via conference and internet networks.
• The majority of respondents were family physicians.

Main Results:

• Balint group participation positively influenced perceived well-being and professional development.
• Participants reported reduced burnout, increased empathy, and improved professional identity and relationships.
• Extended BG participation (over 5 years) correlated with superior outcomes compared to shorter durations (<1 year).
• Logistic regression identified long-term BG attendance and perceived burnout relief as key factors for self-reported well-being.

Conclusions:

• Medical organizations should promote regular access to Balint groups.
• Supporting physicians' well-being through interventions like Balint groups is crucial.
• Balint groups offer a valuable resource for mitigating physician burnout and enhancing professional satisfaction.