At the second level, both TM methods were chosen with the options for 5 10TMs (with no N-terminal preference).
Terminal digit preference was not a problem when oscillometric devices were used.
In addition, the device has no terminal digit preference and can be used efficiently in busy clinics.
Common observer errors in the auscultation method are systematic error, terminal digit preference and observer prejudice or bias [ 20].
However, we have shown with our results that it is likely that there was some rounding, or terminal digit preference, which is consistent with previously published studies.
High proportions of identical sequential readings or terminal digit preference is an indicator of problems with the measurements, usually reflecting the lack of proper training.
The proportion of readings that ended in a 0 was about 30% for both pulse and respiratory rates in contrast to the 10% that would be expected if there was no terminal digit preference.
Our clinic does not ensure the research standard for a clinical trail (no caffeine or nicotine 20 minutes before, seated with back supported for 5 minutes, not engaged in conversation, two measurements a few minutes apart, agreement within 5 mm Hg, avoid terminal digit preference) [ 15].
In one of the three surveys which used mercury sphygmomanometers, a clear terminal digit preference for zero was seen for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Tables 4 and 5).>> Reliable population level information on blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension are needed for developing evidence based policy and planning prevention activities as well as for research.
Although a lack of blinding would not be a significant concern for studies using automated devices, many studies in the review used manual BP measurement, which is known to be subject to terminal digit preference, and so observer bias may have been an issue for some of these studies where blinding was not present.
11 12 To estimate whether there was terminal digit preference in the recording of heart and respiratory rates, we estimated the proportion of pulse and respiratory rate readings ending in each digit from 0 to 9. Records numbering 668 616 were retrieved for all ED presentations in the defined period.
