Blood pressure measurements in pharmacies

Abstract

Blood pressure measurements in pharmacies constitute an alternative method for recording blood pressure, although their practical utility has shown contradictory results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the methodology and accuracy of blood pressure measurements taken by pharmacy employees. Design and Methods: the study, conducted in four pharmacies, was divided into three stages. In the first stage, employees took blood pressure readings observed remotely by physicians from our institution. Immediately afterward, the physicians repeated the measurement, out of the employees' view, using the same blood pressure monitor. In the second stage, a course on the correct methodology for blood pressure measurement was provided, and in the third stage, the same method used in the first stage was repeated. Results: a total of 246 subjects were included, 151 (61.4%) of whom were women. The mean age was 50.5 (±17.1) years. In the first stage, the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate values ​​obtained by the employees were significantly higher than those obtained by the physicians (BP: p = 0.003 and HR: 73.8 bpm; p = 0.001). These values ​​did not improve in the third stage, despite the training course. However, regarding the methodology, the employees significantly improved (p = 0.001). Conclusions: the contradictory results obtained reinforce the need for a controlled and monitored protocol for blood pressure measurement in pharmacies. The causes and clinical implications of our results require further analysis.