J T McVicker1. 1. Clinical Medical Officer, Career Grade Trainee, Women's Health Directorate, North Mersey Community NHS Trust, 40-46 Dale Street, Liverpool, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy and consistency of blood pressure measurement techniques among individual clinicians and the reliability of the equipment in everyday use. DESIGN: Professional survey. PARTICIPANTS: The senior nurse at each of 28 clinics was sent two questionnaires about equipment, and 55 health professionals were sent a questionnaire about their measurement technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Faulty equipment, date of last service, named individual responsible for equipment, knowledge of protocols regarding mercury spillage, correct technique for measuring blood pressure, training in blood pressure measurement. RESULTS: An 82% response rate on equipment showed it to be in relatively good condition, although maintenance problems and some potentially dangerous health and safety issues were highlighted. A 67% response rate on measurement technique showed that there was considerable variation in individual measurement technique that could lead to inappropriate action. COMMENT: This study has lead to replacing all mercury with aneroid devices, and to the development of staff guidelines and updating on measurement techniques. A re-audit will be carried out to complete the cycle.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy and consistency of blood pressure measurement techniques among individual clinicians and the reliability of the equipment in everyday use. DESIGN: Professional survey. PARTICIPANTS: The senior nurse at each of 28 clinics was sent two questionnaires about equipment, and 55 health professionals were sent a questionnaire about their measurement technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Faulty equipment, date of last service, named individual responsible for equipment, knowledge of protocols regarding mercury spillage, correct technique for measuring blood pressure, training in blood pressure measurement. RESULTS: An 82% response rate on equipment showed it to be in relatively good condition, although maintenance problems and some potentially dangerous health and safety issues were highlighted. A 67% response rate on measurement technique showed that there was considerable variation in individual measurement technique that could lead to inappropriate action. COMMENT: This study has lead to replacing all mercury with aneroid devices, and to the development of staff guidelines and updating on measurement techniques. A re-audit will be carried out to complete the cycle.
Authors: Joseph E Ebinger; Matthew Driver; David Ouyang; Patrick Botting; Hongwei Ji; Mohamad A Rashid; Ciantel A Blyler; Natalie A Bello; Florian Rader; Teemu J Niiranen; Christine M Albert; Susan Cheng Journal: EClinicalMedicine Date: 2022-05-13
Authors: James P Sheppard; Richard Stevens; Paramjit Gill; Una Martin; Marshall Godwin; Janet Hanley; Carl Heneghan; F D Richard Hobbs; Jonathan Mant; Brian McKinstry; Martin Myers; David Nunan; Alison Ward; Bryan Williams; Richard J McManus Journal: Hypertension Date: 2016-03-21 Impact factor: 10.190
Authors: James P Sheppard; Una Martin; Paramjit Gill; Richard Stevens; Fd Richard Hobbs; Jonathan Mant; Marshall Godwin; Janet Hanley; Brian McKinstry; Martin Myers; David Nunan; Richard J McManus Journal: BMJ Date: 2018-06-27