Bishav Mohan1, Naved Aslam2, Upma Ralhan3, Sarit Sharma4, Naveen Gupta2, Vivudh Pratap Singh2, Shibba Takkar2, G S Wander2. 1. Department of Cardiology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital Unit, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India. Electronic address: shibbachhabra@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Cardiology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital Unit, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India. 3. Project Coordinator, Department of Cardiology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital Unit, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India. 4. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India. Appropriate blood pressure measurement techniques are the cornerstone of clinical acumen. Despite the clear guidelines on BP measurement technique, there seems to be large inter-observer variations. AIM & METHODS: A prospective, observational study was done to assess the knowledge and to study the current practices of office BP measurement among the 400 medical and paramedical staff working in various hospitals of a northern district of India. A single observer under the supervision of investigators observed all the participants and a proforma was filled based on AHA guidelines. After observing BP measurement technique scoring was done (≤ 8 question correct = inaccurate practices, >9 questions correct = accurate practices). Similarly, the knowledge was assessed by giving a pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: 5.85 % of the medical staff had excellent knowledge and 80% of the doctors and 62% of the paramedical staff had good knowledge about BPM. Only 1.47% (3 doctors) and 0.5% (1 nurse) had accurate practices. There was no correlation between knowledge and practices. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the right technique and knowledge of blood pressure measurement among community health providers is inadequate and warrants further interventions to improve.
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India. Appropriate blood pressure measurement techniques are the cornerstone of clinical acumen. Despite the clear guidelines on BP measurement technique, there seems to be large inter-observer variations. AIM & METHODS: A prospective, observational study was done to assess the knowledge and to study the current practices of office BP measurement among the 400 medical and paramedical staff working in various hospitals of a northern district of India. A single observer under the supervision of investigators observed all the participants and a proforma was filled based on AHA guidelines. After observing BP measurement technique scoring was done (≤ 8 question correct = inaccurate practices, >9 questions correct = accurate practices). Similarly, the knowledge was assessed by giving a pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: 5.85 % of the medical staff had excellent knowledge and 80% of the doctors and 62% of the paramedical staff had good knowledge about BPM. Only 1.47% (3 doctors) and 0.5% (1 nurse) had accurate practices. There was no correlation between knowledge and practices. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the right technique and knowledge of blood pressure measurement among community health providers is inadequate and warrants further interventions to improve.
Authors: Patricia M Kearney; Megan Whelton; Kristi Reynolds; Paul Muntner; Paul K Whelton; Jiang He Journal: Lancet Date: 2005 Jan 15-21 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: A E Russell; L M Wing; S A Smith; P E Aylward; R J McRitchie; R M Hassam; M J West; J P Chalmers Journal: J Hypertens Date: 1989-08 Impact factor: 4.844