[The significance of the Balint-group work: a review of the literature and an empirical study in Unterfranken].

The group work initiated by Michael Balint aims at a comprehensive understanding of the doctor-patient-relationship and a patient-centered medicine. In a review of the literature some studies are presented, which focus on results of Balint work and changes in the participants of this group method. An empirical study of 436 physicians in Unterfranken shows that about 9% have participated in Balint work. Attitudes and motivations of the participants and setting and results of Balint work are studied as well as notions and knowledge of those, who have not done Balint work yet. The study demonstrates positive results in most of the participants.