Strategies to Reduce Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma In KY: Is Parental Education the Key?
- Discuss how new legislation can impact the education provided by nursing professionals.
- Discuss how pediatric abusive head trauma impacts the community at large.
- Formulate a plan to educate new parents regarding the dangers of shaking their infant.
In 2010 the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognized that it was leading the nation in infant deaths directly related to abusive head trauma; also know as Shaken Baby Syndrome. The effects of abusive head trauma may result in permanent brain damage, seizures, blindness and even death. The Kentucky legislators drafted House Bill 285 to address the instances of child abuse, specifically pediatric abusive head trauma. The focus of the bill is on education and awareness.
Proposed change:
Norton Healthcare was named exclusively in the bill to lead a pilot program to increase awareness by educating new parents regarding the dangers of shaking a baby. Governor Steve Beshear signed the Bill into law April 26, 2010. Working with the Child Advocacy Office of Norton Healthcare, a form was drafted and approved for parents to sign stating they received education regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome and understand the harmful effects of shaking a baby
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:
Three hospitals within the Norton Healthcare system, Norton Hospital, Norton Suburban Hospital and Kosair Children’s Hospital began educating nursing staff in June 2010 on the instance of abusive head trauma in Kentucky in 2009. The nursing staff recognized the opportunity to improve the health and welfare of the children across the state of Kentucky by increasing awareness in new families on the dangers of shaking a baby. Education reinforced the signs and symptoms and devastating effects of pediatric abusive head trauma. New parent education includes: watching the Portrait of Promise: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome video, discussing with nursing staff the implications of shaking a baby and what the parent can do when the baby will not stop crying. The parents then sign the commitment form stating they have received the education and understand the potential outcomes of shaking a baby. This education is required for all new parents in the Norton Healthcare System.
House Bill 285 requires Norton Healthcare to report preliminary results to the state’s Health and Welfare Committee in November 2010 prior to the program being expanded across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Implications for nursing practice:
If the program proves successful at the Norton Healthcare facilities, state wide education for new parents will be implimented.
Keywords: Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, Shaken Baby Syndrome, parent education
