NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AUDIT (NCHDA)
2022 Summary Report (2020/21 data)

Published by National Institute of Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR)

Excerpt: “This report summarises selected key findings from the National Congenital Heart Disease Audit (NCHDA), which is a part of the National Cardiac Audit Programme (NCAP).”

“Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a heart condition or defect that develops in the womb before a baby is born, with CHD diagnosed in approximately 1 in 100 births.1 Heart defects are the most common congenital anomaly in babies born in the UK and Ireland and they are the main cause of infant mortality due to a congenital anomaly. Over one quarter of CHD patients will require an intervention during infancy, often as a matter of urgency, with procedural risks highest for neonates who present in poor condition.”

Today, at least 80% survive to adulthood and the population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is rapidly increasing, outpacing the relatively static prevalence of paediatric congenital heart disease. The goal of congenital heart disease services is therefore to diagnose heart disease as early as possible and the ideal is before birth, referred to as antenatal diagnosis, as well as to provide excellent
continuity of care as they progress through childhood and into adulthood.”

“The report covers the financial year 2020/21, during which the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the
capacity of healthcare systems around the world, including substantial disruptions to cardiovascular care across key areas of healthcare delivery. The imposed measures and relentlessly stretched healthcare resources have had a considerable impact on the care of CHD patients and the report considers the impact of COVID-19 on paediatric and adult CHD activity in this difficult period.”

“The report also focuses on a number of specific quality improvement (QI) metrics in relation to the
delivery of CHD services derived from national and/or international standards and guidelines. By robust analysis of audit data and comparing patient outcomes, such as case-mix adjusted survival, the aim is to improve the quality of care received by patients from UK (excluding Scotland) or Ireland, hospital admission to discharge, and ensuring they meet good practice standards.”

Please click here to access this paper – NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AUDIT (NCHDA)