Objective: To assess the accuracy of linear measurement of premenopausal and menopausal women.
Design: Observational.
Setting: OB/GYN practice in a university setting.
Participants: OB/GYN staff responsible for obtaining linear measurements.
Main outcome measures: 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.