Perceptions Regarding Quality Management Systems of Moroccan Medical Laboratory Practitioners: A Cross-sectional Study

Background The Quality Management System (QMS) is essential for guaranteeing the reliability of results in medical laboratories. This study explored the perceptions of medical laboratory practitioners in Morocco regarding the QMS. Objective This study aimed to explore the perceptions of medical laboratory professionals in Morocco regarding Quality Management Systems (QMSs), identify the main obstacles to their implementation, and analyze the socio-demographic factors influencing these perceptions. Methods This study used a cross-sectional quantitative design conducted in Morocco, involving 464 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The study used a scoring method to assess levels of perception and applied the chi-square (χ2) test and binary logistic regression to assess associations between variables. Results Over 90% of respondents recognized the benefits of QMS, but identified three main obstacles: an additional workload (53.66%), a significant financial cost (43.10%), and time-consuming implementation (45.47%). In addition, the results showed strong Pearson correlations between overall perception and age (p = 0.032), particularly in the 50-60 age group, where 54.17% expressed positive opinions. The binary logistic regression results indicated practitioners' perceptions to be influenced by age, gender, and profession. Conclusion The results highlighted the need to increase awareness of the importance of QMS among professionals as well as support laboratories in establishing a robust organizational framework to ensure effective management of resources and improve the integration of the QMS with other systems, such as the management information system and the external audit program.