EDUCATIONAL GAPS AND TRAINING NEEDS OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MASLD AT THE PRIMARY CARE LEVEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2786.2025.4.15906Keywords:
metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); continuing professional development; family physicians; general practice; primary care.Abstract
Objective. To assess the level of awareness and educational needs of general practitioners – family physicians regarding the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at the primary care level, and to identify priority formats for continuing professional development (CPD). Materials and methods. A sociological survey of 136 family physicians was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Medical-statistical methods and descriptive modeling were applied. Results. A total of 44.8 % of respondents reported being dissatisfied with their theoretical knowledge of MASLD, 35.6 % were partially satisfied, and only 14.7 % considered their knowledge sufficient. Although most physicians had access to educational materials, 69.8 % cited a lack of time for their review and 17.6 % reported an overall shortage of materials. The need for short-term thematic improvement courses (1–2 weeks) was supported by 46.3 % of respondents (44.9 % disagreed), whereas 74.3 % expressed interest in practical, shortduration workshops and seminars (1–2 days). Online (55.9 %) and blended (27.2 %) formats were preferred. The choice of educational events was primarily influenced by the number of CPD credits (41.2 %) and the relevance of the topic (28.7 %). Conclusions. A considerable deficit of knowledge and practical skills related to MASLD was identified among primary care physicians, indicating the need for concise, practice-oriented educational interventions, preferably delivered through online or blended formats with accredited CPD credits. Institutional or sponsor-supported funding is recommended to improve accessibility of such programs.
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