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Balint Approach Group Intervention

NCT07278219 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 30

Last updated 2025-12-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of a Balint-based group intervention on burnout and communication skills among nurses. Burnout is a common outcome of prolonged exposure to workplace stressors and can weaken nurses' empathy, emotional regulation, and therapeutic communication abilities. Balint groups are reflective, structured sessions that focus on understanding the emotional and relational aspects of challenging patient-nurse interactions. These groups provide a safe environment for nurses to explore their thoughts and feelings, enhance self-awareness, and improve interpersonal effectiveness.

The study used a two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled design with pre-test and post-test measurements and follow-up assessments at one and three months. A total of 50 nurses were screened, and 30 who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 15) group. Inclusion criteria included at least one year of experience in the same clinical setting and the provision of informed consent. Nurses with communication impairments that could interfere with participation were excluded.

The intervention consisted of six weekly online Balint-based group sessions lasting 45-50 minutes. Sessions followed the structure recommended by the International Balint Federation, including case presentation, exploration, group discussion, feedback, and closing phases. The first session included additional time to review study procedures and establish group rules and confidentiality. The control group continued routine work without receiving any additional psychosocial support.

The primary outcome was burnout, measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The secondary outcome was communication skills, assessed with the Communication Skills Scale for Health Professionals. Both outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at one- and three-month follow-ups.

Data were collected electronically, and all participants provided informed consent online. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional ethics committee. This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the use of Balint-based reflective group interventions to enhance nurses' psychosocial well-being and professional communication competencies.

Conditions

  • Burnout
  • Communication Skills
  • Psychosocial Well-being

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Balint Approach Group Intervention

A Balint-based group intervention consisting of six weekly online sessions lasting 45-50 minutes. Sessions followed the structure recommended by the International Balint Federation, including case presentation, exploration, group discussion, feedback, and closing phases. The intervention was delivered by two psychiatric nursing academics trained in psychotherapy techniques. The group was conducted as a closed group, and sessions were scheduled according to participants' shift patterns

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Yuksek Ihtisas University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-12-20
Primary Completion
2025-04-05
Completion
2025-04-05

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07278219 on ClinicalTrials.gov