Clinical (Patient Record) Audit, Assessing Co-morbidity in Patients with MAFLD
Self-paced MAFLD audit for GPs delivering RACGP CPD credits.
Overview
Metabolic-dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is now the most common chronic liver disease in Australia and is frequently encountered in general practice. Closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD), MAFLD represents a growing challenge for primary care.
This online clinical audit course supports General Practitioners to improve the identification, documentation, and management of metabolic comorbidities in patients diagnosed with MAFLD. Grounded in the 2024 GESA Consensus Statement, the program translates current clinical guidance into practical, measurable improvements in patient care.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for Australian General Practitioners who:
- Manage patients with MAFLD and metabolic risk factors
- Are undertaking RACGP CPD activities
- Seek applied quality-improvement learning aligned with Reviewing Performance and Measuring Outcomes
About the course
Delivered as a self-paced, audit-based online program, participants apply learning directly within their own clinical setting. GPs complete a structured review of electronic medical records for patients with MAFLD, assessing completeness of documented risk parameters against evidence-based recommendations.
The audit process enables participants to:
- Identify gaps in screening and documentation
- Implement improvements in clinical practice
- Measure outcomes linked to guideline-based care
No patient-identifiable information is collected or shared at any time.
Why enrol?
This course provides a structured, repeatable framework for quality improvement in general practice. By combining audit methodology with guideline-based education, it supports safer practice, stronger documentation, and better outcomes for patients living with MAFLD.
Learning outcomes
-Review documented metabolic risk parameters in patients with MAFLD
-Identify missing clinical data related to T2DM and CVD risk
-Apply GESA recommendations to assess metabolic co-morbidity risk
Course delivery method
-Online, self-paced clinical audit
-Participants complete an applied audit within their own practice, supported by guided instructions and evidence-based resources via the online learning platform
Course pre-requisites
Participants are assumed to be working in the general practice.
Additional Information
For terms and conditions, please view here.
Accredited MAFLD education for GPs
This program is developed and delivered as part of Independent Medical Education grant sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk.
This activity has been endorsed by the following organisations, according to approved quality standards criteria.
This activity is approved by the RACGP and supports requirements in:
- Educational Activity
- Reviewing Performance
- Measuring Outcomes
It offers a practical pathway to meet CPD obligations while delivering meaningful improvements in patient care.
What is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease?
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common liver condition caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver due to metabolic risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Unlike alcohol-related liver disease, MAFLD is linked to lifestyle and metabolic health, making it highly prevalent in Australia. It can progress silently to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if left untreated.
How is MAFLD different from NAFLD?
MAFLD is a newer, more inclusive diagnostic term that focuses on underlying metabolic dysfunction, replacing the older "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD).
While NAFLD excluded patients based on alcohol use or other liver conditions, MAFLD includes patients based on positive criteria—such as overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic abnormalities—making it a more accurate and inclusive diagnosis.
This change reflects current understanding of liver disease in the context of metabolic health.
How is MAFLD diagnosed?
Unlike previous definitions, a diagnosis of MAFLD does not require the exclusion of alcohol use or other liver conditions.
To confirm MAFLD, a person must show liver steatosis on imaging or blood tests, and meet one of three criteria5:
Type 2 diabetes
Overweight or obesity based on ethnicity-specific BMI thresholds, or
Two or more metabolic risk factors (in those with a normal BMI). These can include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, prediabetes, increased waist circumference, insulin resistance, or inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
GPs and nurses can identify MAFLD using common tools like liver function tests, ultrasound, and metabolic screening. Diagnosis can also be aided with MRI and CT scans.
Can MAFLD be reversed?
Yes, MAFLD can often be reversed in its early stages with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, improved diet, increased physical activity, and better control of blood sugar and cholesterol6.
The earlier it is detected and managed, the better the outcomes for liver and overall metabolic health.
How can GPs and nurses support patients with MAFLD?
GPs and nurses play a key role in identifying patients at risk of MAFLD, initiating early screening, and providing education and support around lifestyle changes.
They also help monitor liver health, coordinate care, and manage coexisting conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Why is managing MAFLD important in general practice?
GPs are often the first to detect metabolic risk factors, making primary care the ideal setting to identify and manage MAFLD.
Early intervention can prevent irreversible liver damage and reduce the risk of serious complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart disease.
With timely lifestyle support and metabolic control, disease progression can often be slowed or even reversed.
Who should take a MAFLD training course?
Nurses, nurse practitioners, and GPs involved in chronic disease care or metabolic health management will benefit from this course.
It’s designed for healthcare professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of MAFLD, improve early detection, and apply practical strategies for effective long-term management.
How much does this MAFLD education program cost?
This MAFLD education program is completely free for nurses and GPs in Australia. It is funded through an Independent Medical Education grant and delivered by the University of Sydney, with no cost to participate.
Gain the skills to detect MAFLD early, improve health outcomes, and support at-risk patients.