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Journal of Medical Education

Author ORCID Identifier

Ing-Tiat Tiunn: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2626-4584

Abstract

Background: Balint groups have been widely implemented to support medical training in many countries. However, no empirical study has yet been conducted in Taiwan to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methods: An introductory presentation on Balint groups was held at a medical center in southern Taiwan, followed by a survey assessing attendees' perceptions and attitudes toward Balint work. Subsequently, a six-session Balint group was offered to healthcare professionals who volunteered to participate. All participants completed the 25-item Resilience Scale before and after the intervention. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data.

Results: A total of 44 healthcare professionals attended the introductory presentation. Among them, half expressed willingness to participate in a Balint group (n = 22). A significant difference was found across job titles (p < .001), with all physicians (n = 10, 100%) indicating willingness to participate. Among the participants who joined the six-session group (n = 7), Improvements were observed in the total Resilience Scale score (pre-group: 112.71 ± 10.23; post-group: 130.29 ± 19.00; p = .018) and in the subscales of Meaningfulness (pre: 33.14 ± 3.29; post: 39.71 ± 4.68; p = .026) and Equanimity (pre: 22.43 ± 4.20; post: 28.29 ± 7.57; p = .018). Three overarching themes were identified: (1) emotional vulnerability and shared humanity, (2) professional identity, (3) meaning-making.

Conclusion: Balint groups appear acceptable to at least a portion of healthcare professionals in Taiwan. Participation in the group was associated with higher resilience scores and was generally evaluated positively. Further research is warranted.

First Page

38

Last Page

44

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