Primary care for children with spina bifida.

Primary care providers are recognizing the need to be able to establish protocols for children with complex conditions, such as spina bifida. Best practices are to form partnerships with families to address the complex health care needs for their children who require comprehensive care, coordination of community services and resources, regular communication with interdisciplinary and specialty teams, and preparation for transition into young adulthood. Health status and quality of life for children with spina bifida depends in part on preventing complications or further disability and maximizing functional independence and inclusion in society. The content in this article presents special considerations through guidelines for medical and psychosocial aspects of primary health care for children with spina bifida.