A Structured Review of the Literature on Abusive Head Trauma Prevention

Abstract

We searched the US National Library of Medicine's PubMed, Google Scholar and the American Psychological Association's Psychinfo databases during September 2019 for citations and abstracts on abusive head trauma (AHT) and shaken baby syndrome prevention dated 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2019. We identified 53 empirical studies and performed a structured review to identify the effects of prevention, if any, on AHT. We identified three lines of investigation that have focused on: (i) strategies which teach parents how to respond to newborn crying and the dangers of shaking babies; (ii) community and public health factors; and (iii) professional education and practice. Most studies were observational, although a small number used sophisticated designs such as prospective or randomised controlled trials. We note other strengths and weaknesses of these articles and suggest future directions for research in each of these areas based on the current level of scientific inquiry.‘Identified 53 empirical studies and performed a structured review to identify the effects of prevention… on AHT’Key Practitioner Messages Research on AHT prevention is limited, although a growing research base supports teaching parents how to respond to newborn crying and about the dangers of shaking babies. Social care systems addressing provision of material and other support have positive effects on AHT rates. Professional education should improve practitioners' identification of families with increased risk and enhance AHT identification and treatment. Those wishing to prevent AHT should consider multilevel approaches and their own community needs, practice setting, and patient/client risk profiles when designing strategies.