Table 2 Results presented as themes and sub-themes, (*Expressed by PhD Supervisors from the clinical setting)

1) Formal requirements from the university

2) Responsibility of the supervisor

a. Giving feedback

b. Making sustainable agreements and appointments*

3) Problems that may arise

a. Student-related

i. Socially dysfunctional students

ii. Inadequately qualified students (e.g., when writing a scientific article for the first time*; students requiring significant assistance)

iii. Disruptions (Generally sickness and divorce and especially maternity/paternity leave)

b. Process/study-related

i. Miscommunication

ii. Patient recruitment*

iii. Conflicts, e.g., students vs. others (supervisors, co-workers, research partners) and between supervisors (personal interest, typically regarding publications)

4) Management

a. Communication

b. Psychological issues

5) Two main groups of students (Those aiming for research careers or other careers*)

6) Professional skills

7) Collegial group supervision