Abstract
BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) self-screening, whereby members of the public have access to BP monitoring equipment outside of healthcare consultations, may increase the detection and treatment of hypertension. Currently in the UK such opportunities are largely confined to GP waiting rooms.AimTo investigate the reasons why people do or do not use BP self-screening facilities.Design and settingA cross-sectional, qualitative study in Oxfordshire, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews with members of the general public recruited using posters in GP surgeries and community locations were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically.ResultsOf the 30 interviewees, 20% were hypertensive and almost half had self-screened. Those with no history of elevated readings had limited concern over their BP: self-screening filled the time waiting for their appointment or was done to help their doctor. Patients with hypertension self-screened to avoid the feelings they associated with ‘white coat syndrome’ and to introduce more control into the measurement process. Barriers to self-screening included a lack of awareness, uncertainty about technique, and worries over measuring BP in a public place. An unanticipated finding was that several interviewees preferred monitoring their BP in the waiting room than at home.ConclusionBP self-screening appeared acceptable to service users. Further promotion and education could increase awareness among non-users of the need for BP screening, the existence of self-screening facilities, and its ease of use. Waiting room monitors could provide an alternative for patients with hypertension who are unwilling or unable to monitor at home.
Highlights
Blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring is an increasingly common and accepted activity for patients with hypertension, and is usually undertaken in the home.[1]
Of the 30 interviewees, 20% were hypertensive and almost half had self-screened. Those with no history of elevated readings had limited concern over their BP: self-screening filled the time waiting for their appointment or was done to help their doctor
BP self-screening appeared acceptable to service users
Summary
Blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring is an increasingly common and accepted activity for patients with hypertension, and is usually undertaken in the home.[1] Meta-analyses of trial data suggest that, after training and as part of an ongoing management plan, self-monitoring leads to clinically significant reductions in BP2 and improved medication adherence.[3] Qualitative studies describe how self-monitoring empowers patients, enabling them to better understand their condition,[4] patients need clinician support and education regarding how to interpret results and when to seek assistance.[4,5] Some clinicians have expressed concerns about the potential for bias by patients when reporting self-monitoring data,[6] and the accuracy of unsupervised measurements[7] taken on potentially uncalibrated monitors.[8]. BP self-screening offers the opportunity for BP measurements to be made outside their traditional setting of healthcare consultations. Blood pressure (BP) self-screening, whereby members of the public have access to BP monitoring equipment outside of healthcare consultations, may increase the detection and treatment of hypertension. In the UK such opportunities are largely confined to GP waiting rooms
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