Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are up to eight times more likely than other Australians to be hospitalised for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

This five-minute video summarises the key changes found in the new Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia (RHDA) 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (3rd edition).

Written in collaboration with Australian scientific experts, key stakeholders and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group, the 3rd edition will serve as the definitive guide to current ARF and RHD diagnosis and management in Australia and contains significant changes and updates for clinicians to be aware of.

RHD Australia’s senior cultural advisor Vicki Wade stated that “The updated guideline identifies the systemic factors that drive disparities in best practice care delivery and offers culturally safe solutions. We have come a long way from the first edition, and this journey has culminated in an important balance between cultural and clinical competence.”

The complete guide is available to be downloaded from: https://www.rhdaustralia.org.au/arf-rhd-guideline