Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly prevalent, yet primary care physicians (PCPs) face barriers to identifying and referring high-risk individuals. We surveyed Canadian PCPs to identify barriers and facilitators to MASLD-related fibrosis screening.
Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed a 38-item online survey with multiple-choice and Likert scale questions to assess PCPs' MASLD knowledge and barriers and facilitators to screening. The survey was distributed anonymously in April-August 2024.
Results: Seventy-one participants completed the survey. One in five rated their MASLD diagnostic knowledge as very or extremely familiar, whereas a quarter reported little to no knowledge. Although >90% correctly identified obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia as risk factors, only 54% screened these populations. Among those who screened, 55% used FIB-4 and 29% transient elastography, while the most common tools were ultrasound (74%) and alanine aminotransferase (71%). Overall, 96% reported at least one barrier, including time limitations, resource constraints, and limited access to tools. Barriers also varied by province; PCPs in Alberta reported fewer access issues with tools like FIB-4 than those in other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec. Encouragingly, over 80% expressed willingness to adopt integrated guidelines and automated risk tools into their practice.
Conclusions: Despite awareness of MASLD risk factors among Canadian PCPs, substantial gaps remain in screening due to limited knowledge, inconsistent tool use, and systemic barriers. These findings highlight the need for a coordinated national strategy to support PCPs in the early identification and referral of patients at risk for MASLD-related fibrosis.
Keywords: Canada; MASLD; liver fibrosis; primary care providers; screening.
© Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, 2025.