Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Earns Prestigious Spina Bifida Association Accreditation

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health’s pediatric urology clinic has been recognized as a national leader in spina bifida care from the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) Clinic Care Partner program, joining an elite group of only 42 facilities nationwide to achieve this distinguished recognition.

The national association selects partners based on demonstrated commitment to the care of spina bifida patients and pursuit of continuous improvements in care. As a designated Clinical Care Partner, Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health is listed as such on the national Spina Bifida Association website. The five-year accreditation period allows Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 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 opened the first clinic of its kind in Oklahoma in 2023 to offer centralized, multidisciplinary care for adult patients with spina bifida, easing the transition of children and young adults into age-appropriate care for the disease. Spina bifida, which affects approximately 1,500 babies each year in the United States, occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly during fetal development.

Based on national estimates and birth rates, approximately 1,362 people with Spina Bifida live in Oklahoma, and 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 involves rigorous evaluation of multiple care aspects, including:

• 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."

For more information about Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health's spina bifida care services or to schedule an appointment, call (405) 271-5437 or visit Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.