Early diagnostic tools in palliative care in Morocco: healthcare professionals' knowledge, perceptions, and barriers at Ibn Sina University hospital centre.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care (PC) in Morocco is still developing, with limited integration of standardised assessment and diagnostic tools in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ knowledge, perceptions, and use of early diagnostic tools in PC at Ibn Sina University Hospital Centre, Rabat, and to identify contextually appropriate tools and barriers to their implementation within the Moroccan healthcare context. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted at Ibn Sina University Hospital Centre between March and September 2025. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were held with 56 healthcare professionals involved in palliative and end-of-life care across multiple departments. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s framework. RESULTS: Fifty-six healthcare professionals (43 nurses, 13 physicians) participated. Six major themes emerged. Most interviewers reported limited knowledge and irregular use of early diagnostic tools such as Pallia 10 and PICT, mainly due to insufficient training, lack of standardised protocols, heavy workload, and cultural factors. While Pallia 10 was preferred for its simplicity and compatibility with clinical routines, PICT was valued for its psychosocial and multidimensional perspective. Participants highlighted the need for cultural and linguistic adaptation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and institutional support. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating early diagnostic tools into Moroccan PC could enhance early identification, care coordination, and quality of life for patients. However, successful implementation requires national strategies, continuous professional training, and culturally sensitive adaptation to bridge the gap between theoretical recognition and practical use.