Key result
Although 77% of participants considered accuracy the most important factor when selecting a home blood pressure device, only about half of the devices purchased were clinically validated.
Why the study?
Only 10-20% of available blood pressure devices are validated, yet little is known about how and why patients choose devices for home blood pressure measurement.
Cross-Sectional (n=241)
Despite accuracy being the primary concern for consumers purchasing home blood pressure monitors, lack of awareness and point-of-sale guidance results in only half of the devices being clinically validated.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Many patients select unvalidated devices for HBPM; leaves open how best to guide validated device uptake.
Background Only 10-20% of blood pressure (BP) devices available are validated. Little is known about how and why patients choose BP devices for home BP measurement (HBPM), which was the aim of this study. Methods Mixed-methods study (online survey (n=241), phone interviews among a purposive subsample (n=27)) among adults who perform HBPM in Australia (June-Dec 2023). Survey questions determined how BP devices were obtained, device make/model and factors influencing device selection. Interviews further explored these topics. Device validation status was determined using the STRIDE BP and Medaval websites. Results Participants were middle aged (58±16 years, 52% women) and 91% purchased a device for HBPM (n=189; 9% borrowed a device), with 69% (n=130) purchased from pharmacies (53% validated) and 21% (n=39) purchased online (51% validated). Accuracy was said to be the most important consideration when choosing a device for most participants (n=129, 77%). Interview participants described using brand recognition, online reviews and cost to select an ‘accurate’ device; avoiding cheaper devices and preferring brands used in healthcare settings. Participants did not consider validation status and did not receive advice on device accuracy at point-of-sale. Conclusion This study highlights real world experiences of adults when obtaining HBPM devices that can be used to inform strategies to direct adults to validated devices. Strategies such as increasing signage at the point-of-sale and training healthcare practitioners to identify and direct consumers to validated devices may be effective in increasing uptake. Regulatory bodies should mandate the sale of validated devices in healthcare settings to increase availability.
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Clapham et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Home blood pressure measurement (n=241). Home blood pressure device selection was evaluated on Validation status of home blood pressure devices. Although 77% of participants considered accuracy the most important factor when selecting a home blood pressure device, only about half of the devices purchased were clinically validated.
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