Blood pressure measurement by pharmacists

Abstract

The feasibility of blood pressure measurement by general practice pharmacists was examined in nine pharmacies. Two hundred and fifteen subjects were screened and 13 were referred to their general practitioners. Ten subjects (five per cent of the initial sample) were confirmed to be hypertensive by their doctors. The upper limits of normotension were 160/100 mmHg aged up to 50 years, 160/105 mmHg aged 51-60 years and a diastolic pressure of 110 mmHg over 60 years. Ninety-eight per cent of a sample of the lay public who completed a written questionnaire were in favour of blood pressure measurement by pharmacists. The study showed that general practice pharmacists were able to measure blood pressure within acceptable limits of accuracy and that, with the collaboration of general practitioners, the pharmacies were suitable agencies for screening for hypertension.