‘…And how did that make you feel?’ - GP trainees’ perceptions of Balint on a local UK vocational training scheme

ABSTRACT

Balint allows colleagues to explore emotions generated from doctor-patient interactions, complexities sometimes overlooked within traditional curricula. With an increasing burnout rate, evidence-based strategies to support trainee general practitioners (GPs) are needed and we investigated if Balint could be one way to improve this. There are no recent studies looking at Balint in UK GP training. Our aim was to establish GP trainees’ understanding of the purpose of Balint and perceived advantages and disadvantages. Qualitative methodology was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with trainees and alumni participating in Balint within a suburban London Vocational Training Scheme. Emergent coding was performed and a phenomenological approach taken to thematic analysis. Eleven participants took part in the study. Balint provided a supportive, confidential outlet to help normalise trainees’ feelings after challenging doctor-patient interactions. Multiple viewpoints, the chance to vent and a sense of comradery was unanimously enjoyed. Participants could see potential benefits for delivery of care, patient safety and remaining up-to-date. There was debate over inclusion of clinical management, and variation in preferred facilitation styles. Disparity in Balint contribution was attributed to differing personalities and confidence levels. With the growing demands of general practice, a flexible approach to Balint facilitation could add value in training by providing a peer platform to help address the hidden curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Balint
• general practice
• burnout
• training
• reflection

Ethical approval

An application was submitted to the NHS Health Research Authority who considered that this study did not require formal ethical approval.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.