Through an interdisciplinary approach, the Philip A. Keelty Center for Spina Bifida and Related Conditions provides quality medical care that focuses on optimizing health and function, preventing secondary conditions and coordination of health care services.
The Philip A. Keelty Center for Spina Bifida and Related Conditions serves children and adults with spina bifida, myelomeningocele (meningomyelocele) or myelodysplasia, as well as other related conditions of the brain and spine such as hydrocephalus, Arnold-Chiari malformation and tethered spinal cord syndrome. We also see children with other complex birth defects, such as caudal regression syndrome, sacral dysgenesis and other multiple congenital anomaly syndromes.
The Spina Bifida Center has a multidisciplinary team that includes members specializing in pediatrics, pediatric neurology, pediatric urology, pediatric orthopedics, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and social work. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we provide quality medical care that focuses on optimizing health and function, preventing secondary conditions and coordination of health care services.
Spina bifida is a complex condition that presents challenges in multiple domains. Although experts agree that multidisciplinary care is the gold standard of medical care for individuals with spina bifida, the multidisciplinary team often does not address issues that fall outside the medical domain, such as school readiness, vocational training or participation in sports. We propose a new conceptual model for spina bifida services throughout the lifespan that integrates issues and perspectives from multiple arenas including medical, habilitative, educational and social domains. Our model incorporates the latest WHO framework for conceptualizing function and disability, which not only includes the dimension of body function and structure, but also the dimensions of activity and participation. Our model also emphasizes the importance of anticipatory guidance and planning for transitional periods.
Evaluation and treatment of spina bifida and secondary conditions (such as seizures, coordination problems or weakness, learning disabilities, chronic wounds or incontinence) is achieved through a working partnership between interdisciplinary team members, including the patient and family. Treatment plans are coordinated with the patient's primary care provider, family, school and community.
Clinic Care Partner
The Philip A. Keelty Center for Spina Bifida and Related Conditions is a designated Clinic Care Partner of the Spina Bifida Association (SBA). The SBA Clinic Care Partner program is an initiative that stems from the existing Spina Bifida Collaborative Care Network (SBCCN), which works to identify the needs of people with Spina Bifida, connect with health care providers, identify clinics with the best outcomes and identify research priorities.
Clinics who become SBA Clinic Care Partners implement best practices so that people with Spina Bifida receive the best care possible in order to have fulfilling lives.