Barriers to Transitional Care in Spina Bifida

Abstract

The health care needs children with spina bifida evolve over their lifetime; continued, regular contact with appropraitely trained, multidisciplinary providers is crucial to a patient's health and quality of life. Substantial research has been conducted to improve the transition process starting at an early age; however, there continue to be strong barriers to successful transition. This article reviews key aspects of the care of patients with spina bifida, the impact of inadequate transition to adult care, barriers to transition, and offers a potential vision for the future.

Keywords: Delivery of health care; Health care transitions; Myelomeningocele; Spina bifida; Transitional care; Young adult.