Assessment of interpersonal communication skill levels in lecturers of Ilam University of medical sciences: A case study

Introduction: One of the most effective factors on quality of learning is using appropriate communication skills by faculty. Appropriate communicational foundation cause to pass information to students as well. The present study aimed to evaluation interpersonal communication skill levels in lecturers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 60 lecturers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences with randomly sampling were selected in 2009. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire of Interpersonal Communication skills test. The questionnaire has 34 questions and based on 170 scores. Data was analyzed using SPSS software ver.16 and t test and Pearson correlation. Results: Mean age ± standard deviation of participants was 36.03±7.86 years and 80% were male. Overall, 30% of participants were assistant professor and 45% had more than 5 years educational experiences. Mean score of communication skills of lecturers was 106.53 ± 8.59 that it was significantly associated with their gender (p<0.04). While, this relationship not found for age of lecturers, teaching experiences and their scientific ranking. Conclusion: Based on results, Interpersonal communication skill levels of lecturers study were evaluated average. Conducting of educational workshop on interpersonal communication for lecturers is one of the methods to improve their effective communications which can cause to increasing learning and promoting communicational skills of students.