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South Carolina Neural Tube Defect Reach and Teach Program
Michelle M. Macias, MD
College of Medicine
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Specific Aims:
- Identify underserved children with neural tube defects (NTD)
- Reduce complications of NTD
- Maximize child development
- Provide support to parents
- Produce treatment manual
- Train students to appreciate the complex needs of families with children with NTD
- Prevent NTDs
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| The most common major disabling birth defects in the United States are neural tube defects (incomplete closure of the part of the central nervous system covering the brain and spinal cord). South Carolina has 2-3 times the national average, despite a 35-40 percent reduction in the State's rate over the past six years. Children with neural tube defects need the services of a variety of health care providers. The financial and psychological impact on these children, their families and their communities is serious. This project aims to identify underserved populations of children and their families with neural tube defects in the State; reduce the number and severity of serious medical complications in children with these defects; maximize the children's development and their capacity to be independent; maximize parents' ability to help their children; produce and distribute a manual explaining this program so that others can use it; increase awareness of medical students and other physicians in training of the complex needs of families with neural tube defects; and prevent additional neural tube defect births in these families. Evaluations of the process and the outcomes are planned. |
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