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Shaken Baby Syndrome is a preventable form of child abuse. It shatters lives in every community across the Nation. Not only is Shaken Baby Syndrome an emotional horror, but also a major financial burden for our Country. “Estimated annual direct costs for judicial, law enforcement and health care responses to child maltreatment are $24 billion, with the annual indirect costs for the long term treatment exceeding an estimated $69 billion”(Walls, 2006).  Many states have laws in place requiring hospitals to educate patients regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome. Maryland does not yet have similar legislation. However, after learning of the success these states have had in reducing the number of cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome once education was provided, an Educational Initiative for Shaken Baby Syndrome was proposed at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. This effort encompassed all of Womens and Children’s  Services – Labor and Delivery, Mother /Baby, PICU, NICU and Pediatrics.

Coincidentally, during the initiation of this program, our Nation crashed economically, landing in a recession. Financial stress is one of the many risk factors contributing to incidence of Shaken baby Syndrome. Unfortunately, hospitals are beginning to see an overall rise in the number of cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  “Shaken Baby Syndrome is never an accident. When it occurs, it is the result of an adult losing control and harming a child, often causing irreversible injury”  (Gutierrez,2004). Now more than ever, we need to arm our patients, staff and families with knowledge and a plan for caring for small children while effectively coping with life stressors.

This poster will display information to better understand what Shaken Baby Sydrome is, how and why it happens, as well as examples of one institutions approach to educating staff and patients.