Challenges in thesis supervision in health sciences programs

Introduction: The thesis constitutes a scientific activity to obtain academic degrees and professional titles in the university system. It demonstrates the capacity to innovate and the acquired research competencies. Objective: To summarize the main challenges encountered in the supervision of theses related to university programs in the health sciences. Methods: A literature review study was designed. Original articles were explored in the databases Scopus, PubMed, ERIC, SciELO, Redalyc and the Google Scholar search engine. Texts developed in any health sciences program that had considered the thesis supervision process were included. Results: Ten original articles were included. Seven had a qualitative approach. Challenges and characteristics of the thesis supervision process were identified. Shortage of tutors, lack of student time and timely support were among the main challenges. It was felt that intensive guidance, tutor collaboration, and confidence in the student's abilities would facilitate the revision process. Conclusions: The challenges encountered relate to the tutor, the thesis candidate and the institution. With respect to the supervisor, the failure in communication skills to link with the student, the lack of preparation in research competencies and expertise to correct an academic work are pointed out. The lack of motivation diminishes the student's efforts to complete the thesis. The dissatisfaction with the revision and the lack of understanding do not allow establishing an appropriate relationship between the student and the tutor. Added to this is the inadequate research climate and the absence of norms to regulate the supervisor's functions.