Health Concerns of Adolescents and Adults with Spina Bifida
Abstract
The Transitional and Lifelong Care (TLC) program is a multidisciplinary clinical service providing comprehensive, coordinated care to adolescents and adults with spina bifida (SB). This study sought to identify the most common health concerns among this population at initial consultation and identify patient factors related to these concerns to ultimately improve health care delivery. A retrospective chart review was performed. Descriptive analyses were completed and associations between concerns and patient factors were determined using Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. A multiple linear regression was performed to estimate the relationship between patient factors and total number of concerns reported. Ninety-four patient charts were reviewed (Mean age=29.04 ± 13.8 years). On average, patients reported 9 health concerns with care coordination being the most prevalent concern. Patient factors were not related to specific or total number of health concerns. Individualized, coordinated care and a medical home are warranted for adults with SB.