Better patient management through electronic recording

Media Release
5 October 2012

Better patient management through electronic recording of growth information

A child growth chart developed by a Dunedin-based medical team will allow improved clinical management through electronic recording of a child’s growth information.

Professor Barry Taylor and his colleagues at the Southern DHB have developed an electronic system for documenting child health growth information based on height, weight and automatically calculated body mass index (BMI).

Other body measurements such as head circumference and waist circumference are also recorded. The recordings are plotted visually and their position in the normal range for that age and sex also calculated. The system remains useful for adults as it tracks weight and BMI over time.

The key measurements recorded on the Electronic Child Growth Chart are integrated within the child’s health record and designed for use in any health assessment across all age groups.

The initiative has been championed by the Child Health Service Level Alliance, one of six health sector groupings operating under the umbrella of the South Island Alliance, a partnership between the five South Island District Health Boards (DHBs).

The growth chart initiative has gained unanimous support from paediatric clinical teams and primary care practitioners.

Professor Taylor says there are a number of benefits for patients and health professionals using a record for all body measurements, no matter where they are measured.

He said change in these measurements over time is much more useful than just having one single measurement.

“For patients, the height, weight and BMI are recorded electronically for reference across the child’s lifespan. This provides clinicians with growth assessment data to enable more informed decision-making for managing long-term conditions.

“Examples of improved clinical management include use in medication prescribing, access to diagnostic procedures; where weight is often needed, and planning and scheduling of operating theatre lists. This also enables sharing of reliable clinical information across health service providers.”

The Information Systems Service Level Alliance, another of the sector groupings under the Alliance, is progressing development of the growth charts into the 2012-13 South Island regional work plan, to ensure the initiative is integrated across the South Island.
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