Advanced practice in radiography in Morocco: Current status, perceptions, and opinions of radiographers

Advanced practice (AP) is a common role expansion strategy for radiographers, involving autonomous clinical activities such as reporting that extend beyond technical tasks. Its benefits on medical imaging efficacy and service continuity were documented. This study aims to investigate radiographers' opinions on AP implementation in Morocco.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. A random sample of 120 radiographers was drawn from the national Moroccan Association of Radiographers' professional database (N = 605). The questionnaire investigated opinions about prerequisites, competency areas, barriers to implementation, and perceived impacts of AP. Likert scales measured current AP activities, beliefs, and support for AP, with higher scores indicating greater frequency.

The response rate was 90.8% (n = 109/120). The findings indicate that radiographers perceived AP regulatory reform (59.6%) as the main prerequisite and the lack of a legal framework as the main barrier. (64.2%). The most expected AP benefit is improved quality of care (74.3%). Most radiographers supported AP, and those working in the public sector showed stronger support (p = 0.037). However, participation in advanced activities is limited, with higher involvement in protocol selection (mean score = 2.8) than in reporting (mean score = 1.2) or communicating diagnostic results (mean score = 1.3).

This study provides the first national evidence on Moroccan radiographers' perceptions of AP, highlighting strong belief in its value alongside significant perceived systemic barriers. Results provide a foundation for shaping future policy, education, and workforce planning.

Some radiographers take on advanced roles, such as choosing imaging approaches or writing reports, where they work more independently to support patient care. This study used an online survey to ask radiographers in Morocco about their views on introducing advanced practice and how often they take part in these activities. This study found strong support for advanced practice and hope for better care, but also concern about missing laws and limited chances to use advanced skills. This matters because these insights can help leaders plan training, rules, and roles that support safe and effective care.