Online Balint Groups in Iran during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

When Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, most people felt helpless, fearful, and demoralized while health care workers put their own lives at risk to support and heal others. The uncertainties expressed by experts and the ambiguous and protracted nature of the pandemic compounded the sense of frustration caused by the scarcity of protective equipment and effective medications. This combination of factors led to exhaustion, burnout, and moral injury. As a result, mental health practitioners worldwide realized that health care staff needed to stay motivated and resilient. Our contribution in this regard was to start Balint groups throughout Iran, online, for a full year. We learned some lessons worth sharing. Our insights were wrapped around challenges but proved helpful to preserve the integrity of delivering medical services in times of crisis.