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Picone DS, Peterson GM, Jackson SL, Campbell NRC, Delles C, Olsen MH, Padwal R, Schutte AE, Sharman JE. Perceptions of pharmacists on the quality of automated blood pressure devices: a national survey. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:235-240. [PMID: 35314763 PMCID: PMC9995266 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-022-00670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean S Picone
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Shane L Jackson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Norm R C Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology and Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael Hecht Olsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Holbaek Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark.,Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Raj Padwal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aletta E Schutte
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - James E Sharman
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Sharman JE, O’Brien E, Alpert B, Schutte AE, Delles C, Olsen MH, Asmar R, Atkins N, Barbosa E, Calhoun D, Campbell NR, Chalmers J, Benjamin I, Jennings G, Laurent S, Boutouyrie P, Lopez-Jaramillo P, McManus RJ, Mihailidou AS, Ordunez P, Padwal R, Palatini P, Parati G, Poulter N, Rakotz MK, Rosendorff C, Saladini F, Scuteri A, Barroso WS, Cho MC, Sung KC, Townsend RR, Wang JG, Hansen TW, Wozniak G, Stergiou G. [Lancet Commission on Hypertension Group position statement on the global improvement of accuracy standards for devices that measure blood pressurePosicionamento do Grupo da Lancet Commission on Hypertension sobre a melhoria global dos padrões de acurácia para aparelhos que medem a pressão arterial]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2020; 44:e21. [PMID: 32117468 PMCID: PMC7039279 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2020.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lancet Commission on Hypertension identified that a key action to address the worldwide burden of high blood pressure (BP) was to improve the quality of BP measurements by using BP devices that have been validated for accuracy. Currently, there are over 3 000 commercially available BP devices, but many do not have published data on accuracy testing according to established scientific standards. This problem is enabled through weak or absent regulations that allow clearance of devices for commercial use without formal validation. In addition, new BP technologies have emerged (e.g. cuffless sensors) for which there is no scientific consensus regarding BP measurement accuracy standards. Altogether, these issues contribute to the widespread availability of clinic and home BP devices with limited or uncertain accuracy, leading to inappropriate hypertension diagnosis, management and drug treatment on a global scale. The most significant problems relating to the accuracy of BP devices can be resolved by the regulatory requirement for mandatory independent validation of BP devices according to the universally-accepted International Organization for Standardization Standard. This is a primary recommendation for which there is an urgent international need. Other key recommendations are development of validation standards specifically for new BP technologies and online lists of accurate devices that are accessible to consumers and health professionals. Recommendations are aligned with WHO policies on medical devices and universal healthcare. Adherence to recommendations would increase the global availability of accurate BP devices and result in better diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, thus decreasing the worldwide burden from high BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Sharman
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversidad de TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustraliaMenzies Institute for Medical Research, Universidad de Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Eoin O’Brien
- The Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublínIrlandaThe Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublín, Irlanda.
| | - Bruce Alpert
- Centro de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad de TennesseeMemphisTennesseeEstados UnidosCentro de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, Estados Unidos (retirado)
| | - Aletta E. Schutte
- Equipo de investigación en hipertensión en África, Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular DiseaseUniversidad del NoroestePotchefstroomSudáfricaEquipo de investigación en hipertensión en África, Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Universidad del Noroeste, Potchefstroom, Sudáfrica.
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical SciencesUniversidad de GlasgowGlasgowReino UnidoInstitute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Universidad de Glasgow, Glasgow, Reino Unido.
| | - Michael Hecht Olsen
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Holbaek, Holbaek, Dinamarca; y Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Hospital de la Universidad de OdenseUniversidad de Dinamarca MeridionalOdenseDinamarcaDinamarcaDepartamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Holbaek, Holbaek, Dinamarca; y Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Hospital de la Universidad de Odense, Universidad de Dinamarca Meridional, Odense, Dinamarca.
| | - Roland Asmar
- Institutos de la Fundación para la Investigación MédicaInstitutos de la Fundación para la Investigación MédicaGinebraSuizaInstitutos de la Fundación para la Investigación Médica, Ginebra, Suiza.
| | - Neil Atkins
- Medaval LtdaMedaval LtdaDublínIrlandaMedaval Ltda., Dublín, Irlanda.
| | - Eduardo Barbosa
- Liga para la hipertensión de Porto AlegreLiga para la hipertensión de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreBrasilLiga para la hipertensión de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brasil.
| | - David Calhoun
- Grupo de biología vascular e hipertensiónUniversidad de Alabama en BirminghamBirminghamEstados UnidosGrupo de biología vascular e hipertensión, Universidad de Alabama en Birmingham, Birmingham, Estados Unidos.
| | - Norm R.C. Campbell
- Departamento de Medicina, Fisiología y Farmacología y Ciencias de la Salud Comunitaria, O’Brien Institute for Public Health y Libin Cardiovascular Institute of AlbertaUniversidad de CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanadáDepartamento de Medicina, Fisiología y Farmacología y Ciencias de la Salud Comunitaria, O’Brien Institute for Public Health y Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Universidad de Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canadá.
| | - John Chalmers
- George Institute for Global HealthUniversidad de Nueva Gales del SurSídneyNueva Gales del SurAustraliaGeorge Institute for Global Health, Universidad de Nueva Gales del Sur, Sídney, Nueva Gales del Sur, Australia.
| | - Ivor Benjamin
- American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart AssociationDallasTexasEstados UnidosAmerican Heart Association, Dallas, Texas, Estados Unidos.
| | - Garry Jennings
- Facultad de Medicina de SídneyUniversidad de Sídney y Baker Heart & Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustraliaFacultad de Medicina de Sídney, Universidad de Sídney y Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Stéphane Laurent
- Departamentos de Farmacología, Hospital Europeo Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de ParisInserm UMR 970 y Universidad Paris DescartesParísFranciaDepartamentos de Farmacología, Hospital Europeo Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 970 y Universidad Paris Descartes, París, Francia.
| | - Pierre Boutouyrie
- Departamentos de Farmacología, Hospital Europeo Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de ParisInserm UMR 970 y Universidad Paris DescartesParísFranciaDepartamentos de Farmacología, Hospital Europeo Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 970 y Universidad Paris Descartes, París, Francia.
| | - Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo
- FOSCAL, Instituto Masira, Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUDESBucaramangaColombiaFOSCAL, Instituto Masira, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UDES, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Richard J. McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesUniversidad de Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory QuarterOxfordReino UnidoNuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Universidad de Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, Reino Unido.
| | - Anastasia S. Mihailidou
- Laboratorio de Investigación Cardiovascular y HormonalDepartamento de Cardiología del Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital y Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad MacquarieSídneyNueva Gales del SurAustraliaLaboratorio de Investigación Cardiovascular y Hormonal, Departamento de Cardiología del Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital y Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Macquarie, Sídney, Nueva Gales del Sur, Australia.
| | - Pedro Ordunez
- Departamento de Enfermedades no Transmisibles y Salud MentalOrganización Panamericana de la SaludWashington, D.CEstados UnidosDepartamento de Enfermedades no Transmisibles y Salud Mental. Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Washington, D.C., Estados Unidos.
| | - Raj Padwal
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de AlbertaDepartamento de Medicina, Universidad de AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanadáDepartamento de Medicina, Universidad de Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canadá.
| | - Paolo Palatini
- Studium Patavinum, Universidad de PaduaStudium Patavinum, Universidad de PaduaPaduaItaliaStudium Patavinum, Universidad de Padua, Padua, Italia.
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCSDepartamento de Ciencias Cardiovasculares, Neurales y Metabólicas, Hospital San Luca, Milán, Italia; y Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad de Milán-BicoccaMilánItaliaIstituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Departamento de Ciencias Cardiovasculares, Neurales y Metabólicas, Hospital San Luca, Milán, Italia; y Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad de Milán-Bicocca, Milán, Italia.
| | - Neil Poulter
- Imperial Clinical Trials UnitImperial College LondonLondresReino UnidoImperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, Londres, Reino Unido.
| | - Michael K. Rakotz
- Asociación Médica EstadounidenseMejorar los Resultados en Materia de SaludChicagoIllinoisEstados UnidosAsociación Médica Estadounidense, Mejorar los Resultados en Materia de Salud, Chicago, Illinois, Estados Unidos.
| | - Clive Rosendorff
- Mount Sinai HeartDepartamento de Medicina (cardiología), Icahn School of Medicine en Mount Sinai, Nueva York, Estados Unidos, y The James J. Peters VA Medical CenterBronxNueva YorkEstados UnidosMount Sinai Heart, Departamento de Medicina (cardiología), Icahn School of Medicine en Mount Sinai, Nueva York, Estados Unidos, y The James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, Nueva York, Estados Unidos.
| | - Francesca Saladini
- Departamento de MedicinaUniversidad de Padua; Unidad de Cardiología, Hospital de CittadellaPaduaItaliaDepartamento de Medicina, Universidad de Padua; Unidad de Cardiología, Hospital de Cittadella, Padua, Italia.
| | - Angelo Scuteri
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Quirúrgicas y ExperimentalesUniversidad de SácerSácerItaliaDepartamento de Ciencias Médicas, Quirúrgicas y Experimentales, Universidad de Sácer, Sácer, Italia.
| | - Weimar Sebba Barroso
- Liga para la hipertensiónDepartamento de Cardiología, Universidad Federal de GoiásGoiâniaBrasilLiga para la hipertensión. Departamento de Cardiología, Universidad Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brasil.
| | - Myeong-Chan Cho
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional ChungbukDepartamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional ChungbukCheongjuRepública de CoreaDepartamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Chungbuk, Cheongju, República de Corea.
| | - Ki-Chul Sung
- División de CardiologíaDepartamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Kangbuk Samsung, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad SungkyunkwanSeúlRepública de CoreaDivisión de Cardiología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Kangbuk Samsung, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Sungkyunkwan, Seúl, República de Corea.
| | - Raymond R. Townsend
- Facultad de Medicina PerelmanUniversidad de PensilvaniaFiladelfiaEstados UnidosFacultad de Medicina Perelman, Universidad de Pensilvania, Filadelfia, Estados Unidos.
| | - Ji-Guang Wang
- Instituto de hipertensión de Shanghai, Hospital RuijinFacultad de Medicina de la Universidad Shanghai JiaotongShanghaiChinaInstituto de hipertensión de Shanghai, Hospital Ruijin, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Shanghai Jiaotong, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tine Willum Hansen
- Steno Diabetes Center CopenhagenSteno Diabetes Center CopenhagenGentofteDinamarcaSteno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Dinamarca.
| | - Gregory Wozniak
- Asociación Médica EstadounidenseMejorar los Resultados en Materia de SaludChicagoIllinoisEstados UnidosAsociación Médica Estadounidense, Mejorar los Resultados en Materia de Salud, Chicago, Illinois, Estados Unidos.
| | - George Stergiou
- Hypertension Center STRIDE-7Universidad Nacional y Kapodistríaca de Atenas, Facultad de Medicina, Tercer Departamento de Medicina, Hospital SotiriaAtenasGreciaHypertension Center STRIDE-7, Universidad Nacional y Kapodistríaca de Atenas, Facultad de Medicina, Tercer Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Sotiria, Atenas, Grecia.
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3
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Sharman JE, O’Brien E, Alpert B, Schutte AE, Delles C, Hecht Olsen M, Asmar R, Atkins N, Barbosa E, Calhoun D, Campbell NR, Chalmers J, Benjamin I, Jennings G, Laurent S, Boutouyrie P, Lopez-Jaramillo P, McManus RJ, Mihailidou AS, Ordunez P, Padwal R, Palatini P, Parati G, Poulter N, Rakotz MK, Rosendorff C, Saladini F, Scuteri A, Sebba Barroso W, Cho MC, Sung KC, Townsend RR, Wang JG, Willum Hansen T, Wozniak G, Stergiou G. Lancet Commission on Hypertension group position statement on the global improvement of accuracy standards for devices that measure blood pressure. J Hypertens 2020; 38:21-29. [PMID: 31790375 PMCID: PMC6919228 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
: The Lancet Commission on Hypertension identified that a key action to address the worldwide burden of high blood pressure (BP) was to improve the quality of BP measurements by using BP devices that have been validated for accuracy. Currently, there are over 3000 commercially available BP devices, but many do not have published data on accuracy testing according to established scientific standards. This problem is enabled through weak or absent regulations that allow clearance of devices for commercial use without formal validation. In addition, new BP technologies have emerged (e.g. cuffless sensors) for which there is no scientific consensus regarding BP measurement accuracy standards. Altogether, these issues contribute to the widespread availability of clinic and home BP devices with limited or uncertain accuracy, leading to inappropriate hypertension diagnosis, management and drug treatment on a global scale. The most significant problems relating to the accuracy of BP devices can be resolved by the regulatory requirement for mandatory independent validation of BP devices according to the universally-accepted International Organisation for Standardization Standard. This is a primary recommendation for which there is an urgent international need. Other key recommendations are development of validation standards specifically for new BP technologies and online lists of accurate devices that are accessible to consumers and health professionals. Recommendations are aligned with WHO policies on medical devices and universal healthcare. Adherence to recommendations would increase the global availability of accurate BP devices and result in better diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, thus decreasing the worldwide burden from high BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Sharman
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Eoin O’Brien
- The Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bruce Alpert
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Aletta E. Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael Hecht Olsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Holbaek Hospital, Holbaek
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Roland Asmar
- Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Eduardo Barbosa
- Hypertension League of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - David Calhoun
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Group, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Norm R.C. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology and Community Health Sciences, O’Brien Institute for Public Health and Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Chalmers
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Garry Jennings
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney and Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stéphane Laurent
- Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 970 and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Boutouyrie
- Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 970 and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Richard J. McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Anastasia S. Mihailidou
- Cardiovascular & Hormonal Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiology & Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pedro Ordunez
- Department of Non Communicable and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Raj Padwal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Neil Poulter
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael K. Rakotz
- American Medical Association, Improving Health Outcomes, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Clive Rosendorff
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
- The James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Francesca Saladini
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Town Hospital of Cittadella, Padova
| | - Angelo Scuteri
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Weimar Sebba Barroso
- Hypertension League, Department of Cardiology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Myeong-Chan Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju
| | - Ki-Chul Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Raymond R. Townsend
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ji-Guang Wang
- The Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Gregory Wozniak
- American Medical Association, Improving Health Outcomes, Chicago, Illinois
| | - George Stergiou
- Third Department of Medicine, Hypertension Center STRIDE-7, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Pappaccogli M, Ravetto Enri L, Perlo E, Di Monaco S, Pignata I, Baratta F, Rabbia F, Mana M, Veglio F, Brusa P. Assessment of a non-physician screening program for hypertension and cardiovascular risk in community pharmacies. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2019; 29:1316-1322. [PMID: 31383504 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The strategic role of prevention in hypertension setting is well known but, with the only exception of annually events promoted by international scientific societies, no other screening campaigns are available. Aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a non-physician pharmacy-based screening program and to describe the cardiovascular risk and the BP status of participating subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS 2731 costumers participated to the screening program, answering to a questionnaire about personal cardiovascular risk and measuring their BP with an Omron HEM 1040-E. Since no threshold for hypertension diagnosis is currently available for community pharmacies BP measurements, we assessed high BP prevalence according to 3 different cut-offs (≥140/90, ≥135/85 and ≥ 130/80 mmHg) and compared normotensives and hypertensives on major cardiovascular risk factors. According to the proposed cut-offs, prevalence of hypertension was respectively of 31%, 45% and 59.5%, and it increased among younger subjects (31-65 y) when the lowest cut-offs were applied. High BP was found in a large percentage of subjects self-declared on-/not on-treatment (uncontrolled hypertensives) or normotensives (presumptive hypertensives) and among those not aware of their own BP values (presumptive hypertensives). Prevalence of CV risk factors was higher in hypertensives than in normotensives. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that a community pharmacy-based screening is feasible and attracts the interests of many subjects, improving awareness on their BP status. The screening was also showed to be useful in order to detect potentially uncontrolled and/or suspected new hypertensives, especially among young adults, to refer to general practitioners for confirmatory diagnosis or further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pappaccogli
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
| | | | - Elisa Perlo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Monaco
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Pignata
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Baratta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Rabbia
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | | | - Franco Veglio
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Brusa
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Italy
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Evaluating the performance of automated sphygmomanometers using a patient simulator. Blood Press Monit 2019; 24:299-305. [PMID: 31425156 DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Automated sphygmomanometers use the oscillometric method to measure blood pressure, which is based on an algorithm that relates the amplitude of the oscillometric waveform pulses and the pressure inside the cuff. Validation uses empirical information from clinical trials conducted by each manufacturer. Consequently, measurement algorithms are not harmonized, being based on distinct arterial waveforms, according to each group of volunteers of the clinical test. In the present study, a patient simulator was used to generate standardized, consistent oscillometric waveform pulses to test the algorithms used in six sphygmomanometers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six different upper arm and wrist-based automated sphygmomanometers were tested using a patient simulator comprising four different blood pressure levels, Psys/dia (mmHg): 80/50; 120/80; 150/100; 200/150. The devices were also submitted to conformity assessment. The variance of repeatable measurements was also analyzed. RESULTS All tested automated sphygmomanometers complied with metrological requirements, presenting results within the range of ±2 mmHg for static calibration. Systematic discrepancies, greater than 20 mmHg, were observed between sphygmomanometers' results from upper arm and wrist-based models. Differences reaching 12.8 mmHg in diastolic pressure results were observed among upper arm devices. CONCLUSION These results may have a clinical impact and indicate the need for a standardized algorithm, with a harmonized approach for validation. Moreover, the algorithm of the wrist-based devices is being affected by the use of the brachial artery waveform as reference for its validation, which also reveals that the current approach needs standardization, especially regarding the use of patient simulators.24299305.
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Omboni S, Tenti M, Coronetti C. Physician-pharmacist collaborative practice and telehealth may transform hypertension management. J Hum Hypertens 2018; 33:177-187. [PMID: 30546052 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-018-0147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Community pharmacists play a crucial role in hypertension management and their intervention, mainly including education, medication monitoring, and reviewing, blood pressure (BP) measurement and cardiovascular risk factors tracking, have proved to enhance BP control and adherence to antihypertensive treatment. A multidisciplinary collaborative approach with the referring physician and a patient-centered model of care have been proved to be particularly effective for improving control of hypertension and promoting patients' health. The inclusion of telehealth in such model (the so-called telepharmacy) may expand the reach of the pharmacist's intervention and provide pharmacy operations and patient care at a distance with further benefits for hypertensive patients and their managing physicians. Very few randomized controlled studies have evaluated the clinical efficacy of the implementation of telepharmacy services in the management of hypertension, with the strongest evidence limited to physician-pharmacist collaborative interventions based on home BP telemonitoring plus patient education on lifestyle, drug therapy, and cardiovascular risk factors control. The results of these trials documented a benefit of telehealth mainly in terms of improvement of BP control consequent to antihypertensive medication intensification and optimization. Although promising, these results need to be corroborated through larger, prospective, and long-term studies, which should also evaluate additional long-term benefits of telepharmacy services in hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Omboni
- Clinical Research Unit, Italian Institute of Telemedicine, Varese, Italy. .,Scientific Research Department of Cardiology, Science and Technology Park for Biomedicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Mauro Tenti
- Clinical Research Unit, Italian Institute of Telemedicine, Varese, Italy
| | - Claudio Coronetti
- Clinical Research Unit, Italian Institute of Telemedicine, Varese, Italy
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Evaluating the impact of measurement uncertainty in blood pressure measurement on hypertension diagnosis. Blood Press Monit 2018; 23:141-147. [PMID: 29677011 DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The sphygmomanometer is a well-known device used widely for blood pressure (BP)measurement in primary cares to diagnose hypertension. It is also vastly used by patients to monitor BP for medication. Deviations in measurement might affect significantly the diagnosis. For example, a hypertensive patient might be diagnosed as normal and consequently not receive proper treatment or a healthy patient might be diagnosed as hypertensive and may receive treatment for a nonexistent disease. A measurement has two components, the error and the measurement uncertainty, both affecting the interpretation of the results yielded by the sphygmomanometer. As the impact of measurement uncertainty has not been considered properly, the present study aims to evaluate how it influences the misdiagnosis of hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS A theoretical approach is applied, using two samples from the literature, simulating how the measurement uncertainty affects the diagnosis of a sample with known BP for a sphygmomanometer indicating the threshold pressures of diagnosis. We also carried out a study evaluating how the number of measurements taken affects the probability of misdiagnosis. RESULTS For one of the samples, the results show an increase in misdiagnosis of 227% for diastolic pressure and 225% for systolic pressure, considering the threshold of 90 and 140 mmHg, for a measurement error of -5 mmHg when considering a ±5 mmHg uncertainty in comparison with when it is disregarded. The probability of a correct diagnosis also converges to over 98% for four measurements taken. CONCLUSION The significant impact of misdiagnosis is an indicator of the importance of considering the uncertainties as a component to medical decision. The number of measurements taken also plays a major role in hypertension diagnosis.
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Omboni S, Sala E. The pharmacist and the management of arterial hypertension: the role of blood pressure monitoring and telemonitoring. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2015; 13:209-21. [PMID: 25578090 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1001368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials have documented that a team of health care professionals which includes a physician, a nurse and a community pharmacist may improve the benefit and adherence of anti-hypertensive therapy. If such a health care model relies on blood pressure telemonitoring, it can promote a stronger relationship between health care professionals and patients, and further improve BP control of hypertension. The major benefit of this collaborative approach is to center the patient's management in a tailored way, providing comprehensive and preventive care based on health information technologies. In this review, the authors summarize recent clinical studies that evaluate the role of the community pharmacist in BP measurements, and in hypertension screening and control. The authors also describe the advantages of using blood pressure telemonitoring in home and ambulatory settings to evaluate potential alternatives to primary care in hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Omboni
- Clinical Research Unit, Italian Institute of Telemedicine, Via Colombera 29, 21048 Solbiate Arno (Varese), Italy
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