Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program

Adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease have different considerations than children. Because of these factors, specialized centers have been developed across the country to care for these patients. Nationwide Children’s is fortunate to have one such specialized program. The Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program at Nationwide Children's, also known as COACH (Columbus Ohio Adult Congenital Heart Disease), was created to meet the medical and surgical needs of this unique and complex population and is comprised of a dedicated team of medical experts who have devoted their careers to the care of these patients.

Established in 2000, this program has become one of the largest and leading ACHD programs in the United States with an average annual patient growth of 30% – over 2,000 patients total. Patients with all forms of congenital heart disease, from simple to complex, receive treatment from our specialized team, including patients with pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular connective tissue disorders. Patients are seen at both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and at The Ohio State University Medical Center, which allows patient care to be individualized utilizing the most appropriate resources from each institution. The COACH Program is committed to improving ACHD care not only through excellence in patient care, but also through research, education and advocacy.

The COACH Program is very involved in designing the future of ACHD care through participation in the Vision 2020 national strategic initiative of the Adult Congenital Heart Association. COACH members are active participants in each of the four working groups: Regional Centers of Care; Program Accreditation; Workforce Development; and Business Models for successful programs.

Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program Expertise

Adults with congenital heart disease
Pulmonary Hypertension
Cardiovascular connective tissue disorders
Pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease
Transition of adolescents with CHD into ACHD care
Training of future ACHD providers

Adolescent Transition Program

We have developed a patient education program that aims to successfully transition adolescents with congenital heart disease to continue specialized cardiac care as adults. While targeting patients 15-17 years of age, we have over 155 adolescents in our program, which continues to grow each year. We communicate the importance of life-long cardiac care as well as an understanding of critical lifestyle choices to consider as an adult living with congenital heart disease. The program’s true value lies in advancing care for this growing population of more than one million people in the US with congenital heart disease. We’re making it possible for these patients to avoid re-entering care in a crisis situation.

To learn more about our program, you can also email us at ACHD@NationwideChildrens.org.

Adult Congenital Heart Association Lobby Day 2012

Nearly 80 advocates, including members from the Columbus Ohio Adult Congenital Heart Disease (COACH) program at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, gathered in Washington, D.C., for Lobby Day 2102 to help drive and lead the long-term care and awareness of congenital heart disease. Hosted by the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) and Mended LittleHearts (MLH), this annual event brings together patients, family members, medical professionals, and supporters from across the country to connect with more than 100 legislative offices.

Key focus areas directed towards lawmakers included:

Provide funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support data collection to better understand the prevalence and assess the public health impact of congenital heart disease.
Support the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s efforts to expand research to target the diverse lifelong needs of individuals living with congenital heart disease.
Join the Congenital Heart Caucus.

Additionally, COACH program members met with Senator Sherrod Brown (OH-Democrat), who supports the above legislation. Members who met with the senator and are featured in the Adult Congenital Heart Association Lobby Day 2012 video include Curt Daniels, MD, Director of the COACH Program, Marc Cribbs, MD, The Schooler Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellow, Chris Learn, MD, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellow and Patty Woods, APN, Nurse Coordinator.

Online Community

At Nationwide Children's, we realize that emotional support is every bit as important as medical treatment. Visit our Online Community for upcoming events and announcements.

Jeff's Story

44-year-old Jeff may not look like your typical Children’s patient, but like thousands of other adults, he’s discovered that the best place to receive care for his congenital heart disease is at Nationwide Children’s.

Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000