Geduld und Politik - die Verankerung der Balint-Arbeit in der ärztlichen Weiterbildung in Deutschland

Comparing the member societies of the International Balint Federation (IBF), Germany can be found in the group of countries with the highest number of credentialed Balint group leaders. In medical training of General Practitioners and other medical specialists, participation in Balint groups is part of the official standard. Statutory health insurance funds pay for psychosomatic primary care, but require evidence that the official curriculum of qualification - including Balint-work - has been absolved. The article analyzes the historical and political implications crucial for establishing Balint work beginning in the 1970s. Devaluation of patient centered medicine, and with it Balint work, by socio-economic transformation of the health system is being discussed.