Anthropometric assessment: ESPGHAN quality of care survey from paediatric hospitals in 28 European countries

Litwin, A. et al. (2024) Anthropometric assessment: ESPGHAN quality of care survey from paediatric hospitals in 28 European countries. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, (doi: 10.1002/jpn3.12136) (PMID:38284746) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Objectives Assessment of anthropometric data is essential for paediatric healthcare. We surveyed the implementation of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) evidence-based guidelines and practical recommendations on nutritional care, particularly regarding anthropometric measurements. Methods Paediatric hospitals from 28 European countries provided pseudonymized data through online questionnaires on hospital characteristics and their standards of nutritional care. Practical tasks assessed an unbiased collection and reporting of anthropometric measurements in random patients' files and discharge letters. Results Of 114 hospitals (67% academic), 9% have no nutritionist/dietitian available, 18% do not provide standard policy to assess weight and height and 15% lack training for nursing staff for accurate performance. A wall-mounted stadiometer to measure standing height and equipment for sitting weight is unavailable in 9% and 32%, respectively. Infant length is measured by one instead of two healthcare professionals and with a tape instead of a rigid length measuring board in 58% and 15% of hospitals, respectively. The practical tasks reviewed 1414 random patients, thereof 446 younger than 2 years of age. Missing documentation occurred significantly more often for height versus weight and their percentiles in infants ≤2 years versus older children, and in general paediatric versus gastrointestinal patients, with no difference between academic and nonacademic hospitals. Review of documented anthropometric data in discharge letters disclosed that consultants significantly underestimated the deficits in their units compared to documented data. Conclusions The survey revealed significant gaps in performance and documentation of anthropometry in the participating hospitals. A resurvey will assess changes in quality of care over time.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding information: Ludwig Maximilian University; ESPGHAN
• Keywords: guidelines, children, anthropometry, paediatric gastroenterology
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gerasimidis, Professor Konstantinos
• Authors: Litwin, A., Le Thi, T. G., Pancheva, R., Niseteo, T., Hauer, A. C., Kindermann, A., Lacaille, F., Nicastro, E., Czubkowski, P., Ikrath, K., Gerasimidis, K., Koletzko, S., and Quality of Care Network,
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 0277-2116
• ISSN (Online): 1536-4801
• Published Online: 29 January 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence