• Karina Schweiger, Benedikt Hofbaur, and Susanne Rabady.
• Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500, Krems, Austria.
• Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. 2024 Aug 6.

BackgroundConcerns are growing when it comes to the shortage of primary care physicians, therefore it seems necessary to take a closer look at job satisfaction and self-care as one of many influences on career choice. A higher job satisfaction reduces the risk to experience burnout and job-related stress and in addition it will contribute to staying in the profession. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of regular participation in Balint groups on job satisfaction and self-care among general practitioners.MethodsDescriptive qualitative study with semi-structured expert interviews of 7 general practitioners. Thematical analysis of data and narrative summary.ResultsA total of 402 coded segments were categorized into 8 main themes and 39 subthemes. Interviewees emphasized changes in self-care and job satisfaction as a result of Balint work and mentioned Balint work as a burnout prophylaxis for themselves. Competences that were learnt or improved through Balint work were described as well as aspects such as feedback and connection with colleagues or professional challenges and difficulties.ConclusionThe results of the study give rise to the assumption that regular participation in Balint groups might help to improve self-care, resilience, and contribute to job satisfaction. Further research is needed before a general recommendation can be made. Many positive aspects were described by the experts, while no harmful negative influences of Balint work were identified.© 2024. The Author(s).

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