Balint groups and peer supervision

Abstract

In this chapter, Henry Jablonski, Dorte Kjeldmand, and John Salinsky describe the Balint group principles and process. They provide examples of Balint groups at work, all of which start with group members presenting patients causing them concern or uncertainty. Scenarios include a group with ‘an experienced physician and an unexplained pain’; a group where four of the eight physicians have patients to present; a trainee group; and a well-established group. Basic Balint principles are reviewed: Learning to listen, styles of practice, the group as a safe place continuing over time, the role of the doctor-patient relationship, and understanding ‘blind spots’ and ‘typical presentations’. The authors discuss Balint perspectives on clinical uncertainty, shedding light on its unique and varied dimensions. In addition to a historical review of Balint group development, useful information pertinent to setting up groups, the roles of group leaders, and how leaders are trained is provided.