TY - JOUR
T1 - Supporting trainees in challenging learning environments–is there a way?
AU - Quine, Anna
AU - Tulinius, Charlotte
PY - 2019/3/4
Y1 - 2019/3/4
N2 - The working and learning environment within the NHS is challenging. 46% of GPs report emotional exhaustion, and trainees experience burn-out with higher prevalence than expected. Attending Balint groups (BGs) has been suggested to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, helping GPs to thrive in their jobs. For this pilot service evaluation of BGs for GP trainees we used qualitative research methodology including surveys, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Fonagy’s concept of resilience was used as the theoretical frame of reference. The data-led analysis identified trainees having burn-out sensations: un-met expectations for their training; their need for more support and the value of attending the BGs. Trainees experienced BG as a safe place, allowing open discussions and honest accounts of anxieties, facilitating clinical learning and learning skills of reflection as an important supplement to normal training. The theory-led analysis showed that BG sessions taught trainees new approaches to improve elements that are assessed as key in the selection process for GP training and as Fonagy described as characteristic for people with resilience. As a result of this project, a number of trainees expressed interest in continuing Balint group work. Trainees were recruited to an ongoing monthly BG, within the GP training scheme. However, due to budget restraints, difficulties with new interest and failing to find a non-training GP facilitator in the local area, the group has floundered.
AB - The working and learning environment within the NHS is challenging. 46% of GPs report emotional exhaustion, and trainees experience burn-out with higher prevalence than expected. Attending Balint groups (BGs) has been suggested to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, helping GPs to thrive in their jobs. For this pilot service evaluation of BGs for GP trainees we used qualitative research methodology including surveys, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Fonagy’s concept of resilience was used as the theoretical frame of reference. The data-led analysis identified trainees having burn-out sensations: un-met expectations for their training; their need for more support and the value of attending the BGs. Trainees experienced BG as a safe place, allowing open discussions and honest accounts of anxieties, facilitating clinical learning and learning skills of reflection as an important supplement to normal training. The theory-led analysis showed that BG sessions taught trainees new approaches to improve elements that are assessed as key in the selection process for GP training and as Fonagy described as characteristic for people with resilience. As a result of this project, a number of trainees expressed interest in continuing Balint group work. Trainees were recruited to an ongoing monthly BG, within the GP training scheme. However, due to budget restraints, difficulties with new interest and failing to find a non-training GP facilitator in the local area, the group has floundered.
KW - Balint groups (BG's)
KW - Burnout
KW - general practice (GP)
KW - GP trainees
KW - resilience
U2 - 10.1080/14739879.2018.1563502
DO - 10.1080/14739879.2018.1563502
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 30652934
AN - SCOPUS:85060247281
SN - 1473-9879
VL - 30
SP - 96
EP - 101
JO - Education for Primary Care
JF - Education for Primary Care
IS - 2
ER -