Perceptions of pharmacists on the quality of automated blood pressure devices: a national survey

Abstract

A recent study found that only 23.8% of blood pressure (BP) devices available for purchase from Australian pharmacies were validated for accuracy. The extent to which pharmacists are aware of this, and other issues related to the accuracy of BP devices, is not known and gathering this information was the aim of this study. An online survey of Australian pharmacists was distributed via the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia between 1 October and 25 November 2020. Questions were focused on the views of pharmacists related to the accuracy of BP devices. Two hundred and ten pharmacists completed the survey. The accuracy of BP devices sold by pharmacists was considered ‘quite’ or ‘extremely important’ to most respondents (94%). However, most respondents (90%) were unaware that less than one-quarter of BP devices sold by Australian pharmacies were validated, and this was ‘quite’ or ‘extremely surprising’ to many (69%). Many respondents (64%) associated a particular brand of BP device with greater accuracy. There was low awareness on proper ways to identify accurate BP devices, such as checking reputable online databases (43%). BP devices were stocked in respondents’ pharmacies based on perceived quality (50%), accuracy (40%), or as determined by the pharmacy chain (36%). In conclusion, providing accurate BP devices to consumers is important to pharmacists, but they were generally unaware that most devices available from pharmacies were not validated for accuracy. Pharmacist education, alongside advocacy for policies including regulations and strategic action, is required to ensure only validated BP devices are sold in Australia.

The urgency to regulate validation of automated blood pressure measuring devices: a policy statement and call to action from the world hypertension league

“…Education of healthcare professionals and the public is also likely to be pivotal. Extensive and global field experience of the authors, as well as recent data [37,39], indicates that many clinicians are not aware that most automated BPMDs are not properly validated, nor do they recognize the need to routinely use validated automated BPMDs in clinical practice. This deficit in knowledge may undermine advocacy and implementation efforts.…”

“…This process must be a wellplanned, progressive and participatory process. Implementation should be gradual to ease acceptance, allow time for realistic replacement of manual BPMDs (and those that are not validated), avoid high costs, and avoid challenges for manufacturers and distributors [39].…”