Blood Pressure Measurement Education and Evaluation Program improves measurement accuracy in community-based nurses: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: Pilot study was developed to determine if a blood pressure measurement training program would improve guideline knowledge and technique in community-based nurses (n= 6).

Methods: American Heart Association guidelines were used to develop the Blood Pressure Measurement Education and Evaluation Program (BEEP). Data on guideline knowledge, device quality, measurement technique, terminal digit bias, range of error, and attitude of change were collected prior and after BEEP.

Conclusions: BEEP development was feasible and acceptable. The device score was 100%. Knowledge improved but not statistically significant (p= 0.64), as did terminal digit bias. Technique prior to BEEP was poor (T= 15) but improved significantly after BEEP (T= 26 on a scale of 32, p= 0.0006). Range of error decreased but was only significant in the diastolic pressure (p= 0.02).

Implications for practice: BEEP is feasible. Baseline blood pressure measurement technique is poor in community-based nurses. Our study suggests that this poor technique can benefit from an educational program and result in improved blood pressure measurement accuracy.