Physicians' Utilization of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Recordings in a UniversityBased Primary Care Clinic. Abstract, Executive Summary and Progress Report

摘要

Conventional approaches to monitoring hypertension with the standard mercurysphygmomanometer have been shown repeatedly to be erroneous. As newer blood pressure measuring devices become available and gain acceptance in many clinical settings, the precision and accuracy offered by these more advanced technologies must be weighed against the cost of using the machines. The overall objective of the study is to determine if there is justification for the widespread clinical use of the newer, more expensive technology by providing evidence that: (a) standard mercury sphygmomanometer errors result in clinically important mismanagement of patients' blood pressure; and (b) more accurate measurement by improved technology impacts on clinical decision making and leads to more appropriate and cost effective management of hypertension with improved patient outcome. We concluded that physicians' utilization of ambulatory blood pressure recordings led to improved decision making in managing hypertension in primary care clinic patients.