Geographical challenges and inequity of healthcare access for high-risk paediatric heart disease.

Background: Geographical context is an important consideration for health system design to promote equality in access to care for patients with childhood heart disease (CHD), particularly those living in regional, rural, and remote areas. To help inform future policy and practice recommendations, this study aimed to (i) describe the geographic distribution of high-risk CHD patients accessing an Australian state-wide specialist service and (ii) estimate travel time for accessing healthcare via general practitioners (primary), nearest paediatric centre (secondary) and specialist paediatric cardiac centre (tertiary).

Methods: Participants included a cohort of children (0-18 year) who accessed state-wide specialist CHD services over a 3-year period (2019-2021) in Queensland, Australia.

Balloon dilatation versus surgical valvotomy for congenital aortic stenosis: a propensity score matched study.

Background: Balloon valvuloplasty and surgical aortic valvotomy have been the treatment mainstays for congenital aortic stenosis in children. Choice of intervention often differs depending upon centre bias with limited relevant, comparative literature.

Objectives: This study aims to provide an unbiased, contemporary matched comparison of these balloon and surgical approaches.