The SIDS rate has been declining significantly since the early 1990s. However, CDC research has found that the decline in SIDS since 1999 can be explained by increasing SUID rates (e.g., deaths attributed to overlaying, suffocation, and wedging). This change in reporting or classification of SUID can be explained by changes in how investigations are conducted and how diagnoses of SUID are made. For example, more deaths are attributed to accidental suffocation that to SIDS. Inaccurate ReportingMany SUID cases are not investigated, and when they are, cause-of-death data are not collected and reported consistently. Inaccurate classification of cause and manner of death hampers prevention efforts and researchers are unable to adequately monitor national trends, identify risk factors, or evaluate intervention programs. We need valid and reliable data to support research and prevention efforts if we want to reduce these infant deaths. SUIDIIn 2003, CDC began leading the effort to revise the 1996 SUID Reporting Form and Guidelines for the scene investigation, as well as actively educating and disseminating training materials on infant death scene investigations to improve inaccurate classification of SUID in the United States. In 2004, CDC's Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) and its partners implemented additional activities aimed at improving the accuracy and consistency of the reporting and classification of SUID deaths. These activities included the development of a new standard investigation reporting form, training curriculum materials for conducting a thorough SUID death scene investigation, a planned effort to disseminate and promote the use of these SUID investigations tools and materials, and the development of a SUID case registry. SUIDI GoalsThe goals of the SUIDI are to develop tools and protocols to
SUIDI Reporting FormIn March 2006, a revised reporting form known as the Sudden, Unexplained Infant Death Initiative Reporting Form (SUIDI Reporting Form) was released. This form is because it
SUIDI Training AcademiesAs a means of disseminating SUIDI training curriculum and materials, CDC began conducting train-the-trainer academies in five U.S. regions in 2006. These regional, multidisciplinary academies provided training for every state, as well as American Indian/Alaska Native teams. The academies produced more than 250 trainers, including of medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement officers, child advocates, college faculty members, and medicolegal death scene investigators. Individuals participating in these academies are expected to conduct additional trainings at conferences, meetings, and courses in their respective states.
SUID Case RegistryIn 2006, CDC began pilot testing a SUID case registry to collect information about the circumstances surrounding infant deaths. Information about the sleep environment and the conduct and quality of the death scene investigation is important. Data from this registry will allow CDC and its partners to quantify the extent of reporting problems on death certificates and thus to better monitor trends in SUID cases and identify risk factors. SUIDI ImpactTo date, the SUIDI Reporting Form and training curriculum have been endorsed by several national organizations representing law enforcement, medical examiners, and coroners. Nearly 10,000 individuals have been trained, and many jurisdictions have reported that they are using the new SUIDI Reporting Form.
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