Abstract:
In the clinical setting, accurate length/height and weight measurements are required for numerous functions, such as monitoring growth, nutritional risk screening, nutrition assessment, and calculation of medication dosages. To obtain accurate measurements: standardised measuring procedures; high-quality equipment that is regularly calibrated and accurate; and trained health professionals who are consistent and precise in their technique are required. The aim of this three-part study was to review the anthropometric practises of nurses at Starship Child Health and the equipment used. Part one was a qualitative questionnaire investigating nurses’ perceptions of taking length/height and weight measurements of infants and children. Part two was direct observations of nurses taking these measurements as part of their normal clinical care. Part three was a survey of the availability and accuracy of length, height, and weight measuring equipment. One-hundred percent of nurses agreed/strongly agreed that an accurate weight measure is important, and 78% agreed/strongly agreed that an accurate length/height measure is important. Ninety-six-point-six percent of nurses responded they are confident in taking length/height and weight measurements. One-hundred percent of nurses achieved four of the nine weight criteria (44%) and four of the twelve length criteria (33%) for children aged less than two years, and six of the ten weight criteria (60%) for children aged two years or older. No single height criterion (out of eight) was achieved by all nurses. One-hundred percent of hospital areas had sitting scales and 83% had baby scales. All weighing scales were accurate. One-hundred percent of hospital areas had height measuring equipment and 83% had length measuring equipment. One of the 15 height measuring devices and five of the 11 length measuring devices were 100% accurate. Key performance criteria that were not met when performing length/height and weight measurements have been identified. Clinical guidelines and a training programme should be developed to support nurses and ensure standardisation of procedures for taking these measurements. Two length boards, one stadiometer, and two baby weighing scales should be purchased. Starship should perform testing on the current baby scales to determine the most accurate position to weigh a seated child aged less than two years.