New Zealand Medical Journal, 2016, 129(1430), 19 February 2016

Aim: To describe and evaluate a shaken baby prevention programme trialled in the Auckland District Health Board from January 2010, to December 2011. Method: Development and implementation of the programme, telephone survey of a sample of caregivers and written survey of a sample of providers. Results: At least 2,592 caregivers received the trial programme. 150 (6%) were surveyed by telephone a median of 6 weeks later. 128 (85%) remembered at least one key message, unprompted; most commonly “It’s OK to walk away” (94/150, 63%). When asked, 92% had made a plan for what to do when frustrated and 63% had shared the information with others. Only 98/150 (65%) watched the programme DVD. Many said they already knew about the risks of shaking a baby, but still found the programme highly relevant.Thirty-one nurses were surveyed. There was a high degree of agreement that the programme was relevant. Barriers to programme delivery included time, workload and the documentation required. Conclusion: A shaken baby prevention programme adapted to New Zealand can be introduced in a District Health Board and is acceptable to caregivers and health professionals. Further research is needed to evaluate the content, mode of delivery and effectiveness of this programme. (Authors' abstract).

Reprinted in Patrick Kelly's doctoral thesis (Chapter 8).published in 2020 - follow the link. Record #6977