OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) Clinic Care Partner program recognized Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health’s pediatric urology clinic as a national leader in spina bifida care.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is one of only 42 facilities across the nation to receive the distinguished recognition and become a designated Clinic Care Partner.
SBA selected OCH OU Health as a partner because of its commitment to the care of spina bifida patients and pursuit of continuous improvements in care, according to OU Health officials.
The recognition gives OCH OU Health a five-year accreditation period that allows the clinic to continue advancing its comprehensive care model while maintaining the highest standards set by the Spina Bifida Association.
“This accreditation validates our commitment to ensuring that no patient needs to leave the state for advanced specialty and sub-specialty care,” said Tracy Cothran, MBA, president of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. “Our amazing team does exceptional work, and this recognition represents our dedication to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of patient care.”
OU Health’s pediatric urology clinic opened in 2023, becoming the first clinic in Oklahoma to offer centralized, multidisciplinary care for adult spina bifida patients, easing the transition of children and young adults into age-appropriate care for the disease.
Spina bifida occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly during fetal development. Approximately 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida each year in the U.S.
Approximately 1,362 people with Spina Bifida live in Oklahoma. An estimated 1.1 million women of childbearing age are at risk of a spina bifida pregnancy, according to The National Spina Bifida Association.
The SBA Clinic Care Partner accreditation process rigorously evaluates the following care aspects:
- Multidisciplinary team approach to patient care
- Implementation of evidence-based clinical protocols
- Care coordination and transition planning
- Patient education and support services
- Quality improvement initiatives
“Our team’s ability to meet these stringent requirements demonstrates Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health’s position as a leader in specialized pediatric urological care,” said Jennifer Cooper, APRN. “This accreditation will help families identify our clinic as a center of excellence for spina bifida care in Oklahoma and the surrounding region.”
Call (405) 271-5437 or visit Oklahoma Children’s Hospital’s website for more information about Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health’s spina bifida care services or to schedule an appointment.
