The role of the nurse coordinator in spina bifida clinics

Abstract

There are numerous multidisciplinary spina bifida (SB) clinics (typically including urology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, developmental pediatrics, physiatry, nursing, social work, and physical and occupational therapy) throughout the U.S. Many SB clinics have a nurse coordinator. The coordinator's role is truly multifaceted. It goes far beyond coordinating the clinic visit in which patients and families are seen for care. The frequency of clinical visits varies from program to program, from a few hours once a month to a full day every week. This role encompasses many aspects of care for this complex patient population, which will be described.