Teaching Parents About Normal Crying Patterns Reduces ED Visits

Implementation of a parent education program after birth was associated with a nearly 30% reduction in emergency department visits for crying in young infants.

Most cases of frequent and prolonged crying in infants, a common chief complaint in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), are not due to an organic cause. In 2008–2009, all maternity hospitals and public health clinics in British Columbia implemented a public health program that educates parents about crying in normal infants and the dangers of shaking. The program involves a DVD and booklet given postpartum, reinforcement of information by nurses during well-child visits, and a public education campaign. To evaluate its effects, researchers reviewed records from the province's children's hospital for infants younger than 6 months from 2002 to 2012.

During the pre-implementation period, 724 of 20,394 ED visits (3.5%) among infants younger t…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics