title: Evaluation of the accuracy of height assessment of premenopausal and menopausal women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the accuracy of linear measurement of premenopausal and menopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational.
  
  
  METHODS
  OB/GYN practice in a university setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  OB/GYN staff responsible for obtaining linear measurements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Equipment utilized, technique for obtaining linear measurement, accuracy of linear measurement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A research assistant observed six measurers measuring 64 women. Ninety four percent of measurements were inaccurate (p<.001) when compared to those of the research assistant. Measurements differed by as much as 18 cm from the research assistant (M=6.4 cm). Measurements obtained by measurers with more than 10 years of experience were significantly closer to the research assistant measurements than those obtained by less experienced measurers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inaccurate equipment, incorrect technique, and staff inexperience all contributed significantly to inaccuracy of linear measurement in a GYN practice. Correct equipment and staff education are needed. Accurate linear measurements must be obtained to allow for valid clinical decisions regarding the need for hormone replacement therapy based on loss of stature of menopausal women.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Nursing at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 19104-6096, USA. Lipman@nursing.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Terri H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Lipman
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McGinley
authors.forename: Jaclyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Minakami
authors.forename: Valerie M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Layden
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ratcliffe
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hench
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D015982:Bias; D001827:Body Height; D002983:Clinical Competence; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education; D009774:Obstetrics; D009819:Office Visits; D017698:Postmenopause; D011187:Posture; D017697:Premenopause; D016037:Single-Blind Method