[Assessment of a supervision grid being used in the laboratories of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Morocco].

Introduction: The aim of our study was to assess a standardized supervisory grid as a new supervision tool being used in the laboratories of leishmaniasis.

Methods: We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the ongoing performances of seven provincial laboratories, in four provinces in Morocco, over a period of two years, between 2006 and 2014. This study detailed the situation in provincial laboratories before and after the implementation of the supervisory grid. A total of twenty-one grids were analyzed.

Results: In 2006, the results clearly showed a poor performance of laboratories: need for training (41.6%), staff performing skin biopsy (25%), shortage of materials and reagents (65%), non-compliant document and local management (85%). Several corrective actions were conducted by the National Reference Laboratory (LNRL) of Leishmaniasis during the study period. In 2014, the LNRL recorded a net improvement of the performances of the laboratories. The need for training, the quality of the biopsy, the supply of tools and reagents were met and an effective coordination activity was established between the LNRL and the provincial laboratories.

Conclusion: This trial shows the effectiveness of the grid as a high quality supervisory tool and as a cornerstone of making progress on fight programs against leishmaniases.