Consultation Time and Quality of Care in Morocco: Lessons for Developing Countries

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Published Apr 30, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i04.6386
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Vol. 104 No. 04 (2026): Tunis Med Apr 2026

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Abdellatif Moustatraf
Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory in Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, 23000 Beni Mellal, National School of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, 10000 Rabat, Morocco.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5019-6959
Abdelati Zouine
Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory in Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, 23000 Beni Mellal, Morocco.
Fatima Touhami
Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory in Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, 23000 Beni Mellal, Morocco.

Abstract

Introduction: In middle-income countries, the duration of medical consultations is a key determinant of care quality, particularly given the limited health literacy of part of the population. This study analyzes its impact in Morocco by exploring the perceptions of beneficiaries of Compulsory
Health Insurance (AMO).
Methods: A mixed-methods design combined a literature review with a survey of 240 AMO beneficiaries. Data were collected through a
questionnaire focusing on listening, clarity of explanations, consultation length, and patient expectations.
Results: Most patients reported feeling listened to and considered the explanations clear. However, a significant proportion expressed unmet
needs, especially regarding consultation time and medical jargon. The average consultation duration (15–20 minutes) was considered sufficient by
two-thirds of patients, while one-third desired more time. Overall satisfaction reached 80%.
Conclusions: Consultation length is a major lever for enhancing doctor–patient communication and perceived quality of care. In resource-limited
settings, interventions such as simplifying medical language, training healthcare providers in communication skills, and optimizing consultation
time management are crucial. These findings, while grounded in the Moroccan context, provide valuable lessons for middle-income countries
facing similar challenges.

Keywords:

Consultation time, Patient satisfaction, Quality of care, Doctor–patient communication, middle-income countries

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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