Only 1.47% of doctors and 0.5% of paramedical staff demonstrated accurate blood pressure measurement practices, with no significant correlation between theoretical knowledge and actual practice.
Observational (n=400)
Yes
There is a severe disconnect between theoretical knowledge and actual clinical practice of blood pressure measurement among healthcare providers, highlighting a critical need for practical skills intervention.
Absolute Event Rate: 1.47% vs 0.5%
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.
Mohan et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Blood pressure measurement practices (n=400). Medical staff (Doctors) vs. Paramedical staff was evaluated on Accurate blood pressure measurement practices (>9 questions correct on checklist). Only 1.47% of doctors and 0.5% of paramedical staff demonstrated accurate blood pressure measurement practices, with no significant correlation between theoretical knowledge and actual practice.