Teacher-student communication in medical sciences: a qualitative study in Iran

Introduction: The existence of an effective relationship between teachers and students plays a pivotal role in the improvement of the education process, learning, and students’ growth. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the experiences of students and professors of medical sciences from the effective factors in the student-teacher relationship. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 10 professors and 10 students. The study data were collected using Individual in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and observation. The study data were analyzed using conventional content analysis proposed by Granheim and Landman. Results: The results revealed 16 subcategories and 4 main categories. The main categories included “adherence to moral values”, “professor’s professional competence”, “sociocultural factors”, and” clinical communication”. Conclusions: The present findings helped to identify a wide range of the dimensions and various factors affecting the student-teacher relationship in medical universities. Educational Managers and decision-makers can use the results of the study to determine the problems of the relationship process between the Professor and the student and to decide on the appropriate action to develop this important proces