Essential characteristics of effective Balint group leadership.

Since Michael Balint’s seminal description of his work with general practitioners in the United Kingdom, Balint groups have been established in many countries and settings, all with the common goal of improving the quality and therapeutic nature of doctor-patient relationships. Descriptive reports sought to introduce the topic of Balint groups to those who might not be familiar with the technique and to trace the development of the Balint movement in America. Four studies have been published describing the prevalence of Balint group activity in family medicine residency training in the United States. Little has been done, however, to identify and communicate the essential characteristics of effective Balint group leadership. This lack of research in Balint leadership has had unfortunate consequences. Balint leadership skills generally must be learned through direct observation of more-experienced leaders. Where direct observation and training has not been available or sought, ineffective group leadership has sometimes dampened enthusiasm for Balint work. In addition, the lack of established characteristics of effective Balint group leadership has resulted in misconceptions about the process and goals of Balint groups. One study describing the function of Balint groups highlighted many of these problems, such as groups functioning largely as support groups or leaders who tended to serve more of a didactic teaching function than is desirable in a Balint group. These problems have been obstacles to the further dissemination of Balint groups in the United States. Consequently, despite its popularity among those familiar with the Balint group method, the method’s role as a tool for improving students’ and practitioners’ understanding of doctor-patient relationships has been underused. Since the integrity of Balint work in the United States depends on the availability of trained leaders, an effort was made to credential Balint leaders. The American Residency Education