The Need for Manual Skills in an Automated World to Obtain Timely Blood Pressures in Trauma Patients

Abstract

Background: Obtaining the first blood pressure (BP) during adult trauma team activations was often delayed. A review of patient charts revealed that the average time to first documented BP was 6.6 minutes when using an automatic BP cuff. Purpose: The purpose was to determine whether taking the initial BP using a manual cuff decreases the time it takes to obtain the first BP. Method: The Iowa Model Revised was used as the framework for this project. Intervention: An algorithm was developed, and staff were educated and validated on their ability to obtain manual BPs. A 2-month practice change pilot was launched on adult full and partial trauma team activations. Results: It was determined that taking a BP manually during adult trauma resuscitations was more efficient, allowing for earlier determination of patient status. Conclusion: Obtaining the initial BP manually was 54% more timely and led to an evidence-based practice change.