Abstract 047: Understanding Patient And Practitioner Use Of The US Validated Device Listing (VDL™)

Abstract

Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet according to research, only one in four adults with hypertension have their blood pressure (BP) controlled. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of self-measured blood pressure to improve (SMBP) BP control among individuals with hypertension, however, research has shown that most BP devices available for purchase are not validated, raising concerns about the accuracy of BP readings taken by a patient. In response, the American Medical Association (AMA) launched the US Validated Device Listing (VDL)™, the first U.S. list of BP measurement devices developed to assist physicians and patients in identifying devices that have been validated for clinical accuracy. The VDL website, validateBP.org, has had more than 660,000 visitors since it launched in 2020. There are currently 60 devices from 16 manufacturers listed on the site. To better understand awareness and use of SMBP, the VDL, and validated devices, the AMA commissioned a survey from a panel of practitioners and patients. Results from over 300 practitioners indicate that while the vast majority of primary care physicians recommend at-home blood pressure devices to their patients (99%; 151/152), and most are aware of validation and accuracy concerns (58%; 88/152), less than one third of primary care physicians were aware of the Validated Device Listing (29%; 44/152). In a survey of over 300 patients, data indicate that over half prefer to measure blood pressure using a personal device (55%; 166/301), and among self-identified hypertensive patients with a device, the vast majority view accuracy of blood pressure readings as the most important factor when comparing blood pressure devices (83%; 146/176). Results from the small-scale survey point to the continued need for validation resources for SMBP devices, and the need to continue developing a greater awareness of the VDL amongst practitioners and patients.