Attachment J - Medical Practice Project Information Letter

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

1825 Century Blvd.

Atlanta, Georgia 30333

[INSERT DATE]

Dr. [INSERT NAME],

The Disability and Health Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago are initiating a study to increase knowledge about the natural history of Spina Bifida. To accomplish this goal, we are conducting a pilot study to explore the feasibility of locating and recruiting participants, conducting telephone and in-person assessments and retrieving children’s medical and early intervention records.

As a preliminary step toward our project goals, we are asking that you help us in our recruitment efforts. Specifically, we would like to make arrangements to provide your clinic with study pamphlets and flyers to place in your waiting room. If you agree, this would give us a vital recruitment source for this study as it allows us to disseminate information about this work directly to eligible families. Again, we are asking that you place the recruitment flyers and pamphlet in your waiting areas. You will not have to take part in the recruitment process beyond this step. Please know that the study has undergone the required approvals.

I appreciate your assistance with this important work. I will contact you in the next two weeks to gather your feedback regarding this portion of the recruitment process. In the meantime, feel free to call me at (404) 498-3487 or email me at sax3@cdc.gov with any questions you have about the study or with your response to this request.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ann Alriksson-Schmidt

Project Coordinator

The Natural History of Spina Bifida in Children Pilot Project

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities