Functions of the Victorian Birth Defects Register (VBDR)
- Determine how often birth defects are occurring in Victoria and identify changing health service needs (prevalence and survival data)
- Give statistical information to organisations responsible for planning and providing health care facilities for those with birth defects, or who provide information to those concerned about having a baby with a birth defect.
- Provide information for epidemiological research to increase knowledge of aetiology and preventability of birth defects
- Assess effectiveness of primary prevention and screening for birth defects
- Investigate reports of community and health provider concerns related to perceived clusters or changes in frequency of birth defects.
- Provide data to the National Perinatal Statistics Unit (external link) and to the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring Systems (external link).