Engaging the multi-agency workforce in targeted prevention of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUDI): implementing Eyes on the Baby

Aims: In the UK, Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) clusters among priority families (those experiencing multiple and complex problems) where universal infant sleep safety guidance is least effective and alternative multi-agency approaches are required. This project implemented and evaluated multi-agency Eyes on the Baby SUDI prevention in Northumberland, a large rural English county. Methods: A Steering Group comprising diverse organisations oversaw the programme. The multi-agency workforce was grouped by job roles into three training strands based on frequency and type of contact with priority families. Online training was accessed individually or in teams. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) supported engagement and embedding SUDI prevention into practice. Pre- and post-training surveys assessed staff knowledge and confidence with SUDI prevention. Follow-up surveys captured staff feedback and engagement at 2, 4 and 12 months post-training. Results: Staff in 187 roles across 25 services were recruited; 607 of the 1007 staff registered completed training. SUDI-prevention knowledge and confidence increased across all strands; knowledge remained high 2 and 4 months after completion. Commitment to SUDI prevention was sustained over time. SUDI-prevention champions helped embed learning into everyday practice. At 1 year, 95% of the 73 staff who responded to follow-up remained actively engaged in SUDI prevention. Staff with limited contact with priority families were the least likely to sustain engagement. At the project conclusion, Northumberland County Council adopted the programme for their pan-Northumberland training platform. Conclusions: Eyes on the Baby can train and sustain staff engagement in multi-agency SUDI prevention. Key stakeholders with diverse experiences of SUDI prevention oversaw the programme. A Steering Group-led implementation approach encouraged staff to accept SUDI prevention within their roles and was reinforced by team leaders. Early adopters rapidly identified their contribution and engaged enthusiastically as SUDI-prevention champions. One year after training, staff remained engaged, although some roles required additional support.