Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study
| dc.contributor.advisor | Ras, Tasleem | |
| dc.contributor.author | Etonu, Joseph Benedict | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-02T10:08:12Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-02T10:08:12Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2024-04-18T12:22:50Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. However, BP measurement technique is often suboptimal in primary healthcare facilities, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Objective: To assess the quality of BP measurement technique in a primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape, South Africa, and to identify factors that may affect the accuracy of BP recordings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire and clinical point of care audit to assess the knowledge, attitude, and skills of healthcare workers involved in BP measurement. Digital BP machines were also audited for calibration and cuff size appropriateness. BP measurements were observed for 102 patients to audit the technique of BP measurement and compared to measurements obtained by the research team using a pre- validated, standardised technique. Results: Knowledge of BP measurement was adequate (>60% on knowledge quiz) amongst 72% of doctors, and inadequate (<60% on knowledge quiz) amongst 81% of nurses. We found widespread use of improper BP cuff sizes and non-calibrated digital BP machines. The use of digital BP machines produced significantly higher systolic BP readings than manual readings (145 vs 141.1; p=0.031), with non-significant differences in diastolic and mean arterial pressures. Conclusion: This study successfully piloted a novel method of assessing BP measurement technique, and identified several factors that could influence measurement outcomes, potentially impacting on clinical care. Recommendations for further research and targeted staff training are suggested. | |
| dc.identifier.apacitation | Etonu, J. B. (2023). <i>Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study</i>. (). ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Public Health and Family Medicine. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.chicagocitation | Etonu, Joseph Benedict. <i>"Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study."</i> ., ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, 2023. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.citation | Etonu, J.B. 2023. Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study. . ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Public Health and Family Medicine. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.ris | TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Etonu, Joseph Benedict AB - Background: Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. However, BP measurement technique is often suboptimal in primary healthcare facilities, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Objective: To assess the quality of BP measurement technique in a primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape, South Africa, and to identify factors that may affect the accuracy of BP recordings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire and clinical point of care audit to assess the knowledge, attitude, and skills of healthcare workers involved in BP measurement. Digital BP machines were also audited for calibration and cuff size appropriateness. BP measurements were observed for 102 patients to audit the technique of BP measurement and compared to measurements obtained by the research team using a pre- validated, standardised technique. Results: Knowledge of BP measurement was adequate (>60% on knowledge quiz) amongst 72% of doctors, and inadequate (<60% on knowledge quiz) amongst 81% of nurses. We found widespread use of improper BP cuff sizes and non-calibrated digital BP machines. The use of digital BP machines produced significantly higher systolic BP readings than manual readings (145 vs 141.1; p=0.031), with non-significant differences in diastolic and mean arterial pressures. Conclusion: This study successfully piloted a novel method of assessing BP measurement technique, and identified several factors that could influence measurement outcomes, potentially impacting on clinical care. Recommendations for further research and targeted staff training are suggested. DA - 2023 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Public Health and Family Medicine LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 2023 T1 - Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study TI - Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 ER - | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 | |
| dc.identifier.vancouvercitation | Etonu JB. Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study. []. ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, 2023 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40164 | en_ZA |
| dc.language.rfc3066 | Eng | |
| dc.publisher.department | Department of Public Health and Family Medicine | |
| dc.publisher.faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| dc.subject | Public Health and Family Medicine | |
| dc.title | Analysing the technique of blood pressure measurement in primary care: a single pilot study | |
| dc.type | Thesis / Dissertation | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | Masters | |
| dc.type.qualificationlevel | MMed |