2. Measurer Motivation

Many measurers do not feel it is necessary to strive for maximal measurement accuracy when they do not understand how measurements are used in clinical interpretation.

Many measurers are ‘casual’ about measurements because they view measurement of infants, children, and adolescents as a mundane chore -- a chore for which they have received no training, have poorly maintained equipment, and have received no encouragement to perform accurately and precisely. The measurer is often the most junior member of the staff.

Measurers must understand that accurate measurements are essential for accurate clinical assessment, determination of dosage of medications, and determination of need for a specific therapy or documentation of the response to therapy.

Accurate measures are the basis of all pediatric clinical assessment.