The Accuracy of Carer Measured Weight: A Service Evaluation

Abstract

Aims
It is important to accurately measure a child’s weight when they present to hospital. It is a task typically performed by health-care professionals but is time-consuming. The aim is to assess if weight measured by a carer (Carer-measured weight – CMW) is accurate when compared to when measured by a trained health-care professional (Health-care professional Measured Weight - HMW).

Methods
We prospectively compared CMW with HMW, in children presenting to a single paediatric emergency department (PED) in England. The strength of the association between both measurements was analysed using a Pearson Correlation coefficient.

Results
Over the period June to October 2024, 328 children and carers were assessed. 323 (98%) of all CMW were within 10% of the HMW. 318 (97%) of all CMW were within 5% of the HMW. The Pearson Correlation coefficient was 0.99.

Conclusion
This service evaluation supports the theory that CMW is an accurate method of measuring children's weight in the CED setting.