The ICON programme has been introduced in many NHS and other settings across England since 2018, including GP surgeries, maternity units, and health visiting. The programme aims to cut the case numbers of abusive head trauma, sometimes referred to as ‘shaken baby’ syndrome.
ICON offers coping strategies, advice and support for parents and carers of crying babies under a year old.
ICON is made up of four simple messages given to families by healthcare professionals on up to five occasions in the baby’s early life: I – Infant crying is normal; C – Comforting methods can help; O – It’s ok to walk away; N – Never, ever shake a baby. ICON also has an active social media and public health campaign to reach dads and male caregivers who may not be present during other medical touchpoints, as it is important for both mums and dads to receive the ICON messaging.
The new study, led by Dr Mark Lyttle, at UWE Bristol, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the National Institute for Health and Care Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) and sponsored by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, will now evaluate the effectiveness of this programme. This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme.
The study will investigate whether infant head trauma occurs less frequently since the ICON programme was rolled out. It will gather the views of managers, health care providers, and parents and carers about the programme.