Abeykoon Jalath Rathnayake Osman Smith¹, Wickramasooriya Arachchige Chamodi Madushani Shani¹, Neel Kannangara¹
1- DGH Kegalle, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author:
Abeykoon Jalath Rathnayake Osman Smith (
osmanutopia@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Accurate paediatric anthropometric measurements are essential for growth monitoring, nutritional assessment, medication dosing, and early identification of developmental abnormalities. Inconsistent measurement techniques and interpretation may compromise patient safety and quality of care. A structured knowledge audit was conducted to evaluate healthcare workers’ competency in paediatric anthropometric measurement principles and practices within our institution.
Objectives: To assess current knowledge levels of healthcare professionals regarding paediatric anthropometric measurements, identify specific knowledge gaps, evaluate alignment with clinical standards, and inform targeted educational interventions to improve quality of care.
Methods: A cross-sectional audit was conducted among 41 healthcare professionals, including nurses (75.6%) and physicians (24.4%). Participants completed an anonymous 25-item multiplechoice questionnaire covering four domains: fundamental concepts, measurement techniques, equipment and quality control, and application/documentation. Descriptivestatistics were used to analyse performance by question, domain, profession, and years of experience.
Results: The overall average score was approximately 84%, indicating good foundational knowledge. Strong performance (>90%) was observed in equipment use, documentation, and several measurement technique domains. However, four questions scored below 60%, with one critical item demonstrating only 29.3% correct responses. Knowledge gaps were observed across both professional groups and were not associated with years of experience (mean 11.3years). Findings suggest systemic knowledge inconsistencies rather than role- or seniorityspecific deficiencies.
Conclusions: While overall competency was satisfactory , targeted education is required to address identified gaps in key conceptual and procedural areas. Regular competency assessments and standardized refresher training are recommended to enhance patient safety , ensure protocol adherence, and strengthen institutional quality improvement efforts.