It is estimated that over 250,000 Australians live with childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Childhood-onset heart disease includes all heart abnormalities affecting patients before and after birth during childhood, including congenital heart disease. The effects are felt not only by those with CoHD, but also by their families and carers, the healthcare system, the workforce and the national economy.
The Australian National Standards of Care for Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD Standards) describe, for the first time, what excellent, coordinated, patient- and family-centred care looks like for people with CoHD and ACHD.
The CoHD Standards are intended for use by the public (primarily patients and their families and carers), and by health professionals, healthcare service managers and planners, and relevant accreditation bodies.
