Journal article
How effective and acceptable is Web 2.0 Balint group participation for general practitioners and general practitioner registrars in regional Australia? A pilot study
Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.24(1), pp.16-22
2016
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Source: InCites
Abstract
<p>Objective: General practitioners (GPs) and general practice registrars report work-related stress. Balint groups may improve coping mechanisms. However, attendance at a face-to-face Balint group is difficult for rural doctors due to distance constraints. The study aim was to evaluate online Balint groups for rural doctors and determine effect size for a full-scale trial. Design: A mixed-methods approach, including a pre–post controlled trial and thematic analysis of qualitative data. Setting: Rural primary care. Participants; Thirteen GPs and 8 general practice registrars completed the study. Interventions: Balint groups were delivered over 8–9 fortnightly online sessions. GPs and GP registrars participated in separate groups. Data were collected on work-related affect, psychological medicine skills and professional isolation using the Warr's Work-Related Affect Scale, the Psychological Medicine Inventory, and a professional isolation scale. Main outcome measures: Change scores on Warr's Work-Related Affect Scale, the Psychological Medicine Inventory, and a professional isolation scale. Results: Balint participants' scores were significantly higher post-intervention on the Psychological Medicine Inventory (mean 6.49 (±0.20) versus 5.43 (±0.26); P < 0.01) and Warr's Work-Related Affect (mean 4.09 (±0.09) versus 3.60 (±0.12); P < 0.01) scales than control group scores. Effect size on these scales ranged from 0.46 to 0.50. The greatest challenge was technical problems related to insufficient broadband speed. Conclusions: Online Balint groups appear to improve rural doctors' psychological medicine skills and work-related affect. New data on effect size will inform a full-scale trial. Improved national broadband infrastructure may enhance online support opportunities for rural doctors.</p>
Details
- Title
- How effective and acceptable is Web 2.0 Balint group participation for general practitioners and general practitioner registrars in regional Australia? A pilot study
- Creators
- Hilton Koppe - North Coast GP Training, Ballina, NSW, AustraliaThea F van de Mortel - Southern Cross UniversityChristine M Ahern - North Coast GP Training, Ballina, NSW, Australia
- Publication Details
- Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.24(1), pp.16-22
- Identifiers
- 3112; 991012822159102368
- Academic Unit
- School of Health and Human Sciences
- Resource Type
- Journal article