Balint Groups at Graduation: a strategy to promote empathy in medical students: Presenter(s): JESSICA LEAO, PUC SP, Brazil. (April 2023) - Almeida, Fernando
Abstract : Background: The medical literature has recorded that with the evolution of the course, there is a decrease in the scores of empathy as well as increased stress, depressive symptoms and burnout in medical students. The Balint Groups (BG) emerged in the 1950s with health professionals who report, discuss and analyze the relational aspects between them and the patient. Thus, they emerge as a possible intervention strategy that intends to modify this pattern of behavior of the medical student during the course, which may have a later impact on professional practice. The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of BG on the empathy levels of medical students, as assessed using the Jefferson empathy scale for medical students (JSPE-S). Methods: This is an exploratory, analytical, qualitative and quantitative, prospective and experimental study. BG were carried out with 40 medical students from Brazil. The levels of empathy, using the JSPE-S scale, were assessed before and after participation in the BG. A questionnaire that assesses their experience, with open and closed questions, was also applied. Results: The study showed that there is an increase in empathy scores in students who participate in BG. According to the students, the participation in BG aroused interest in discussing the doctor-patient relationship, it became clear to them that the process of discussion in groups with the same interest is enriching in terms of personal and professional training. And, it promoted a feeling of group in students and the recognition that collective work is more productive, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop cultural skills through involvement with students from different parts of the country. Conclusion: The BG performed can be considered a useful tool to promote empathy in medical students and there should be more research involving groups and medical training.