Key result
A nationwide survey of 458 Japanese hospitals found that while 91% followed adults with congenital heart disease, only 3% had specialized outpatient clinics, indicating a need for organized multidisciplinary care.
Cross-Sectional (n=458)
Yes
A nationwide survey in Japan reveals that while many hospitals care for adults with congenital heart disease, very few have specialized, high-volume multidisciplinary facilities, highlighting a critical need for specialized ACHD centers.
BACKGROUND: The number of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasing rapidly, but care programs have not been fully established in Japan. METHODS AND RESULTS: Questionnaires regarding current status and resources of outpatient and in-hospital services, and management of pregnancy in patients with adult CHD (ACHD) were sent to 1,033 training hospitals for board-certified cardiologists. Useful replies were obtained from 458 hospitals (44%). In 417 hospitals (91%), at least 1 patient was followed in the outpatient clinic; however, only 14 hospitals (3%) had specialized outpatient clinics; 354 hospitals (77%) had in-hospital patients, but only 6 hospitals (2%) admitted >50 patients per year. Surgery for ACHD was performed in 232 hospitals (51%), but in 135 of these (58%), the number of operations was <5 per year. Pregnant women with CHD were managed in 157 hospitals (34%), although only 3 hospitals (2%) managed >10 cases per year. CONCLUSIONS: In most hospitals in Japan, a limited number of ACHD patients have been followed up and specialized multi-disciplinary facilities for ACHD need to be established.
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Toyoda et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (n=458). Survey of ACHD care facilities was evaluated on Availability of specialized outpatient clinics for ACHD. A nationwide survey of 458 Japanese hospitals found that while 91% followed adults with congenital heart disease, only 3% had specialized outpatient clinics, indicating a need for organized multidisciplinary care.
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