Association Between Balint Training, Physician Empathy and Work Satisfaction

Authors:
Kari Piper Cataldo, MD
Trident Family Medicine Residency Program

Katie Peeden, MD
Trident Family Medicine Residency Program

Mark E. Geesey, MS
Medical University of South Carolina Family Medicine Department

Corresponding Author:
Lori Dickerson, PharmD

ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: Balint training is used in many family medicine residency programs to encourage self-reflection and exploration of the physician-patient encounter. There is limited objective research on outcomes of Balint training. This study aims to determine whether Balint training is associated with differences in physician empathy and work satisfaction.
Methods: The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy and a validated survey on physician work satisfaction were mailed to 182 graduates of the Medical University of South Carolina Family Medicine Residency Program (113 Balint-attendees and 69 non-attendees). The Dillman method of survey design was followed.
Results: The two groups were not statistically different in demographic measures. Balint attendees had a mean empathy score of 119.4, whereas non-attendees had a mean empathy score of 116.7 (P=0.25). There was no statistically significant difference in overall work satisfaction (P=0.51) or satisfaction with financial compensation (P=0.59). Balint attendees were more likely to choose the same career specialty when compared to non-attendees (86.1% vs. 55%; P=0.0003)

Conclusions: There was no association found between Balint training and physician empathy, financial satisfaction, or overall work satisfaction. However, physicians that completed Balint training were more satisfied with their choice of Family Medicine as a specialty.