Automated versus manual blood pressure measurement: A randomized crossover trial

Authors: Heinemann, Megan¹; Sellick, Ken; Rickard, Claire²; Reynolds, Pam³; McGrail, Matthew⁴

Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice, Volume 14, Number 4, August 2008 , pp. 296-302(7)

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Abstract:

This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the Dinamap 8100 automated blood pressure machine against three internationally recognized criteria. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were taken concurrently by two nurses using the automated machine and a manual sphygmomanometer. Results demonstrated agreement between automated and manual readings on one set of criteria for both systolic and diastolic pressures, and support for systolic readings only on one other criterion. Comparison of mean differences between automated and manual measures showed the automated machine consistently under-read both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The conclusion from this study was that the Dinamap 8100 machine can be used with some degree of confidence to assess systolic blood pressures in a general population of adult hospital inpatients, but with caution when taking diastolic readings.

Keywords: automated blood pressure machines; blood pressure; measurement; nursing practice; vital signs

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2008.00696.x

Affiliations: 1: Registered Nurse (Division 1), Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia. 2: Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery and the Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia 3: Associate Lecturer/Clinical Coordinator, School of Health Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia 4: Lecturer, Department of Rural & Indigenous Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia

Publication date: 2008-08-01