Quality management in higher professional medical education: Focus on Serbia

Introduction: The study analyzes quality management systems in higher medical schools of professional studies in Serbia, investigating their compliance with national and international standards, as well as specific challenges of practically oriented education. Methods: A mixed-methods methodological approach was applied in five accredited institutions. Quantitative analysis included institutional indicators and surveys (n=124 teachers, n=298 students) with the application of Pearson's correlation to examine the relationship between quality factors. Qualitative data were collected through 18 semi-structured interviews and eight focus groups with key actors. Results: Analytical statistics revealed a strong positive correlation between cabinet equipment and student satisfaction with clinical practice (r=0.62, p<0.01), while equipment level was significantly negatively correlated with dropout rate (r=-0.45, p<0.01). It was established that the accreditation process is primarily perceived as an administrative burden and formal fulfillment of norms, and not as a proactive mechanism for essential quality improvement. Conclusion: Strategic investments in digital infrastructure, modernization of clinical assessment methods and transition from a model of mere compliance to a model of continuous development based on data are necessary for the sustainable improvement of the quality of education of healthcare workers.