scholarly journals A UK-wide survey of Balint, support groups and psychotherapy training opportunities for SAS (Specialty Doctors and Associate Specialists) Psychiatrists

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S57-S57
Author(s):  
Alina Vaida ◽  
Masud Awal
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Psychotherapy Training ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Balint Group ◽  
Training Opportunities

AimsTo investigate SAS Psychiatrists’ opportunities for Balint-type, support groups and psychotherapy training opportunities nationwide, for which there is a lack of existing literature or established framework.MethodAn online questionnaire was sent to UK-wide SAS psychiatry doctors with the support of the RCPsych Speciality Doctors and Associate Specialist Psychiatrists Committee (SASC). The survey enquired about location, work experience, future plans, Balint-type groups, psychotherapy opportunities and support.Result122 doctors completed the questionnaire, estimated to constitute approximately 8% of SAS psychiatry posts (or more if considering all vacancies), based on the RCPsych Census (2015), from across all UK nations.Time spent in an SAS role varied widely between months (10%) to over 20 years (5%), with the median and mode being 8–12 years (25%). Regarding future career plans 61% responded that they would be considering either the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) route, or applying for future training or both.24% reported being part of a Balint-type group whilst almost double this number (47%) said they would be interested to join but none were available. 31% were part of a reflective practice or support group whilst 44% reported that they were interested in joining but none were available. Only 7% said that they were not participating or not interested in either a Balint group or a reflective group. Free-response comments suggested these opportunities were usually reserved for trainees and service commitments prevented attendance.76% of respondents reported access to an SAS Tutor, but only 21% confirmed access to a psychotherapy tutor.Half of respondents indicated they did not have access to information and guidance they needed regarding accessing psychotherapy opportunities, with only 27% thinking they did.24% reported managing to gain experience in at least one psychotherapeutic modality, 44% of whom received medical psychotherapist supervision; whilst 13% said they did not intend to pursue this.ConclusionThe results highlight that interest in joining Balint and reflective support groups significantly exceeds local provision. As these groups are not mandatory requirements for CESR application, the interest expressed (including amongst those reporting to be SAS by choice) suggests that SAS Psychiatrists value these opportunities for their recognised professional developmental and clinical benefits; these include peer support, understanding doctor-patient interactions and having a space to reflect on the emotional impact of clinical work. Trusts should consider supporting SAS doctors wishing to join new or existing Balint-type or other supportive reflective clinician groups.

scholarly journals Balint in the time of COVID-19: participant and facilitator experience of virtual Balint groups compared with in-person

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S154-S155
Author(s):  
Sheliza Samnani ◽  
Masud Awal
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Technical Application ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Balint Groups ◽  
Group Experiences ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Balint Group

AimsOur Trust increased Balint group provision, relocating virtually for psychiatry doctors to explore the emotional impact of clinical practice and doctor-patient relationships, during unfamiliar challenges of the pandemic. This unique context allowed comparison of multiple virtual and face-to-face (F2F) Balint-type group experiences for participants and facilitators.MethodIn March 2020, existing core trainee (CT) year 1 and 2, higher trainee (ST) and consultant Balint groups became virtual, with new CT3 and Speciality Doctor and Associate Specialist (SAS) virtual Balint groups established.All 57 participants and 5 facilitators were sent an anonymous electronic survey to retrospectively rate virtual Balint (March-August 2020) and their preceding F2F Balint group (suggesting September 2019-February 2020) experience.ResultThe response rate was 89% for participants (51 respondents) and 100% for facilitators (5 respondents).For group participants, 90% (virtual) and 78% (F2F) agreed or strongly agreed that Balint group provided an opportunity to explore challenging aspects of clinical work. 76% (virtual) and 71% (F2F) agreed or strongly agreed that it made them feel more supported. Almost 50% agreed or strongly agreed that virtual and F2F Balint group helped work feel less stressful. Both ratings and free-text feedback emphasised virtual Balint attendance being easier.Facilitators rated virtual and F2F formats similarly highly with regards to exploring difficult doctor-patient interactions, richness of discussions and their enjoyment. Facilitators felt virtual attendance was easier but more draining, with more difficult adherence to Balint group etiquette and boundaries.82% of participants and 75% of facilitators agreed or strongly agreed that virtual format made them more likely to attend future Balint groups. The rich pool of free-text comments received were predominantly positive, whilst noting challenges during virtual Balint in remaining present, with more distractions (for participants) and additional difficulty accessing group dynamics (for facilitators).ConclusionParticipant and facilitator responses indicate Balint-type groups being professionally and clinically beneficial across different psychiatrist grades, and promoting clinician wellbeing when both F2F and virtual during pandemic-related restrictions. Facilitator ratings (unlike participants) suggested specific virtual process challenges such as feeling more drained, perhaps in part due to technical application issues around this emerging format.Both participants and facilitators reported attendance being easier when virtual. Although some suggested returning to F2F post-COVID, more preferred to continue virtually or utilise a blended format. This was particularly for non-CT groups where geographical challenges (e.g. region-wide ST Balint) or competing clinical demands (e.g. consultant/SAS Balint) made regular commitment and attendance more difficult.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Clinical Work Experience during Pregnancy

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Hyunjung Lee ◽  
Hyoung Eun Chang ◽  
Jiyeon Ha
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Colaizzi's Method ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Depth Interviews

The working environment of nurses contains numerous hazards that can be particularly harmful to pregnant women. In addition, pregnancy-induced changes can themselves cause discomfort. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze pregnant nurses’ experiences of clinical work. This qualitative study analyzed data collected through in-depth interviews. From January to June in 2020, 12 shift-work nurses who had experienced pregnancy within three years were interviewed. The main question was “Could you describe your clinical work experience during pregnancy?” Qualitative data from field notes and transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Six categories were extracted that described the nurses’ clinical work experience during pregnancy, as follows: “enduring alone,” “organizational characteristics of nursing,” “risky work environment,” “strengths that sustain work during pregnancy,” “growth as a nurse,” and “methods to protect pregnant nurses.” Pregnant nurses experienced various difficulties due to physical and mental changes during pregnancy, and the clinical working environment did not provide them with adequate support. The findings of this study will be helpful for developing and implementing practical maternity protection policies and work guidelines.

scholarly journals Trainees' experiences of a Balint group

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 274-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthita Das ◽  
Paul Egleston ◽  
Hany El-Sayeh ◽  
Michelle Middlemost ◽  
Narinder Pal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychotherapy Training ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Case Discussion ◽  
Everyday Clinical Practice ◽  
The One ◽  
Balint Group ◽  
Balint Method

Psychotherapy training is mandatory before trainees can gain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. One type of introduction to psychotherapy is via a case discussion group, such as the one pioneered by Michael Balint. Much has been published regarding psychotherapy training, but little describing the Balint method from a trainee's perspective. Our paper outlines trainees' experiences of participating in this type of group. The group encouraged trainees to think about the doctor–patient relationship in their everyday clinical practice. All of those who finished the group described a positive experience, giving a good grounding for further psychotherapy training.

scholarly journals “University Law Clinics and their value in undertaking client-centred law reform to provide a voice for clients’ experiences”

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Curran
Keyword(s):  
Legal System ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Law Reform ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
Clinical Program ◽  
Case Work ◽  
The Law

<p>This article examines how a clinical program can enlarge on the benefits of case work experience of enabling students by adding a course component which engages the students in identifying systemic issues in their case work which can be used to inform work on law reform issues as part of assessment in the clinical programs. The clinical program discussed in this article, demonstrates that assessment can be broadened to enable students to critique the contexts within which client issues emerge. The added component to student case work requires students to develop and use further skills in research, analysis and the evaluation of issues emerging from case work and suggest considered solutions to improve the operation of the legal system. My experience of such an approach is that it deepens students understanding not just of the law and how it is applied to their case work but also the mechanics of the law, how laws are made and how they are influenced. Student lawyers also see the important role of lawyers as members of a profession in ensuring the legal system retains public confidence. A side effect of this extension of the clinical work beyond only client work, is that students become motivated and are more employable (as they leave the course not only with skills in interviewing, communicating, letter writing, applying the law and preparing court cases) with skills in policy development and submission writing.</p>

scholarly journals A Survey of the Non-clinical Benefits of EBVM

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hauser ◽  
Elizabeth L Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Client Satisfaction ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Journal Clubs ◽  
Survey Participation ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Training Opportunities ◽  
Intellectual Challenge

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to add non-clinical benefits to the virtues for adopting Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM). The objective is to quantify the commercial benefits of EBVM through an online survey of veterinary professionals, giving clear indications of the key areas of non-clinical benefits of EBVM. Further, the study aims to outline barriers to the wider implementation of EBVM and find preferred ways of overcoming those barriers.</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> A PICO-based literature review (Hauser and Jackson, 2016) found that while there are some papers suggesting a link between the practice of EBVM and better non-clinical benefits such as client satisfaction, a single study, focusing on the non-clinical benefits of EBVM, had yet to be conducted. This study builds on the findings of an exploratory study (Jackson and Hauser, 2017) outlining key areas of non-clinical benefits of EBVM: increased client satisfaction and retention, improved reputation, confidence, as well as employee engagement.</p><p><strong>Evidentiary value:</strong> This online survey of veterinary professionals (n=407) provides evidence for practitioners, universities and other veterinary staff regarding the non-clinical benefits of EBVM, the barriers to a wider adoption of the practice and ways of overcoming those barriers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The online survey of veterinary professionals was conducted during September – October 2016 and contained 23 questions. Survey participation was voluntary and the data used for analysis were de-identified.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The survey responses of 407 veterinary professionals provide quantitative evidence of how EBVM is put into practice, how EBVM is perceived to impact client behaviour and employee engagement, what the barriers are to practising EBVM and how these could be overcome. Key findings are that veterinary professionals are more likely to practise EBVM if they have been taught how to do so at vet school. EBVM is a way to provide value to and build trust with clients. Survey respondents who practise EBVM are more likely to find their workplace inspiring and to be an intellectual challenge and the main barriers to EBVM are: time and access to information. Respondents, especially those who were employees suggested overcoming these barriers through attending journal clubs and other training opportunities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study provides the view of veterinary professionals on the non-clinical benefits of EBVM, the barriers to wider implementation and ways of overcoming those barriers. Further research is needed to obtain the perspective of clients and more detailed cost effectiveness analyses could shed more light on specific practices of EBVM.</p><p><strong>Application:</strong> Findings are applicable to universities, veterinarians and vet nurses seeking to increase the practice of EBVM. The ultimate beneficiaries are those vets who seek additional non-clinical reasons for the adoption of EBVM in their practice.</p><br /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/oa-icon.jpg" alt="Open Access" /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/pr-icon.jpg" alt="Peer Reviewed" />

Support for staff support groups: A role for group analysts

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Bledin
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Psychology Training ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Clinical Psychology Training ◽  
Clinical Environments ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Training Opportunities ◽  
And Training ◽  
Quantitative Evaluations

Clinical psychologists in NHS settings are often called upon to facilitate ‘staff groups’. A survey of psychologists’ self-reported experiences of facilitating such groups indicated average levels of relevant training, moderate levels of confidence, but only average levels of effectiveness. The value and validity of quantitative evaluations of this kind are discussed. The findings suggest that more group therapies-related teaching and training are needed in clinical psychology training courses and in clinical environments in the NHS and other clinical settings. Group analysts are well placed to encourage, support and provide teaching and training opportunities such as these.

scholarly journals What is it about dynamic psychotherapy?

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 313-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Dracass ◽  
Taryn Tracey ◽  
Kamaldeep Bhui
Keyword(s):  
Royal College ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Psychotherapy Training ◽  
Dynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Medical Careers ◽  
Training Schemes ◽  
The Uk

The new Modernising Medical Careers agenda in the UK raises concerns about maintaining the standard of psychotherapy training (Mizen, 2007). In 1993 the Royal College of Psychiatrists made psychotherapy a mandatory rather than recommended work experience and there is now a competency portfolio outlining requirements for trainees. However, startling data have been revealed recently, showing that 91% of senior house officers did not meet the requirements of the Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) exam regarding psychotherapy training and 23% were not even aware of them (Agarwal et al, 2007). the quality and variability of psychotherapy experience in training have been surveyed in several papers (Podlesjka & Stern 2003; Carley & Mitchison 2006; Pretorius & Goldbeck 2006), and some solutions to practical problems with its provision have been proposed, for example, consultation from a consultant psychotherapist, utilising feedback from trainees, and focusing on practicalities and logistics at a local level (Wildgoose et al, 2002; Mitchison 2007). However, little has been said about trainees' own experiences of undertaking supervised practice in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This paper discusses trainees' outlook on psychotherapy training schemes.

The value of a registrar psychotherapy post to psychiatry training

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-303
Author(s):  
Gabriel Feiler ◽  
Denis O’Loughlin ◽  
Eugen Koh ◽  
Josephine Beatson ◽  
Ed Harari
Keyword(s):  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Psychotherapy Training ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Public Mental Health Services ◽  
History Of ◽  
Zealand College ◽  
Training Position ◽  
Future Practice

Objectives: This paper describes the psychotherapy registrar position developed at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne in response to the Australian Government’s Specialist Training Position initiative of 2009. This impressionistic piece outlines features of the registrar’s clinical work, supervision and professional development. This paper will focus on: 1) the history of the position; 2) its developmental function embedded within the clinical responsibilities of the role; 3) how this position is different from the existing Royal and Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry psychotherapy training requirements; and 4) infrastructure issues of the position. Conclusions: This psychotherapy registrar position is a novel role that provides an opportunity to work in an intensive and sustained way with patients and within multidisciplinary teams whilst being supported by supervision and a rich teaching milieu. It offers experience of psychotherapeutic work not usually available in public mental health services. It thus assists the development of psychotherapeutic skills that are likely to enhance the future practice of those undertaking the role.

scholarly journals Level of anxiety caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic among dentists in Poland.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Rusyan ◽  
Agnieszka Mielczarek ◽  
Agnieszka Kapała ◽  
Kamil Adamczyk ◽  
Robert Piec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Morbidity Rate

Abstract Background: The early information on both the speed and high morbidity rate and, above all, mortality, triggered the symptoms of COVID-19-related panic and anxiety. Dentists were listed in the top five professions with the highest risk of transmission of the virus. The paper aimed to assess the level of anxiety among dentists in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey questionnaire. The study used a tool developed by the team of Ahorsu et al. The COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S) translated into the Polish language. The online questionnaire was completed by 356 dentists. Results: In the studied population of dentists, the perceived level of anxiety associated with COVID -19 should be considered relatively low. Both gender and work experience had no significant impact on their level. When the respondents had children, lived with the elderly, or looked after them the observed level of anxiety was higher and physical symptoms such as sweating palms and increased heart rate occurred.Conclusion: Despite the high risk of infection, the tested low level of anxiety among dentists is a positive predictor of the appropriate level of medical services provided by this group of doctors.

scholarly journals Personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 crisis: a snapshot and recommendations from the frontline of a university teaching hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 131-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Key ◽  
Naveen J. Mathai ◽  
Aakaash Sethuraman Venkatesan ◽  
Damian Farnell ◽  
Khitish Mohanty
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Adequate Provision ◽  
To Come

Aims The adequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers has come under considerable scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate staff awareness of PPE guidance, perceptions of PPE measures, and concerns regarding PPE use while caring for COVID-19 patients. In addition, responses of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals (OHCPs) were compared. Methods The inclusion criteria were all staff working in clinical areas of the hospital. Staff were invited to take part using a link to an online questionnaire advertised by email, posters displayed in clinical areas, and social media. Questions grouped into the three key themes - staff awareness, perceptions, and concerns - were answered using a five-point Likert scale. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare results across all three groups of staff. Results Overall, 315 staff took part in our study. There was a high awareness of PPE guidance at 84.4%, but only 52.4% of staff reported adequate PPE provision. 67.9% were still keen to come to work, despite very high levels of anxiety relating to contracting COVID-19 despite wearing PPE. Doctors had significantly higher ratings for questions relating to PPE awareness compared to other staff groups, while nursing staff and OHCPs had significantly higher levels of anxiety compared to doctors in relation to PPE and contracting COVID-19 (p < 0.05 using a Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusion We believe four recommendations are key to improve PPE measures and decrease anxiety: 1) nominated ward/department PPE champions; 2) anonymized reporting for PPE concerns; 3) formal PPE education sessions; and 4) drop-in counselling sessions for staff. We hope the insight and recommendations from this study can improve the PPE situation and maintain the health and wellbeing of the clinical work force, in order to care for COVID-19 patients safely and effectively.

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