Blood pressure measurement by junior hospital doctors--a gap in medical education?

A questionnaire survey, combined with an observational study, evaluated the knowledge of doctors in training grades on the practical aspects of blood pressure measurement. Eighty (non-consultant) junior hospital doctors, graduates from 30 separate medical schools, participated in the study. The results show that 27 (33%) doctors acknowledged no formal education on how to measure blood pressure. This lack of precise theoretical knowledge was matched by an observed poor clinical technique in over one third of the study group. The precision and accuracy of blood pressure recording is fundamental to the clinical examination of patients, and crucial in their management in both hospital and community settings. The findings of this study support the urgent need for further training and assessment of blood pressure measurement at undergraduate, and postgraduate level.