TIPP usage.

In recent years, physicians have become more concerned about the prevention of childhood accidents. Developed to help physicians teach parents how to avoid unintentional injury, The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) is significant because anticipatory guidance has now been recognized as being as much a part of routine health supervision as the history and physical examination. The American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement enclosed with each TIPP package states five goals that deal with major causes of childhood mortality; three can be achieved with a single purchase or action--buying a smoke alarm, buying a bottle of ipecac, and turning down hot water temperature. TIPP comprises three elements: A parent questionnaire (the Framingham safety survey) is used to identify at-risk behavior. Safety sheets to be handed out at the next visit reinforce the information provided by the physician in his or her discussion of the questionnaire results. A model counseling schedule suggests how to incorporate the questionnaire and safety sheets into an effective office program. By gradually phasing TIPP into an office practice, physicians can become familiar with TIPP materials and integrate it in a controlled manner. The AAP Committee on Accident and Poison Prevention is studying measures to increase the usefulness of TIPP.