AMA calls for standardized blood pressure reading training

The American Medical Association (AMA) unveiled an initiative to encourage the use of uniform techniques for taking blood pressure (BP) readings to ensure accuracy.

The association developed three free learning modules on blood pressure measurement techniques intended for use at medical, nursing, physician assistant, medical assistant, and pharmacy schools across the country.

“We know that inaccurate blood pressure measurements are linked to errors in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure and may lead to more adverse outcomes, yet medical and health profession students are not currently receiving consistent training in BP measurement,” said AMA president Susan Bailey, MD. “We believe this step is critical given that the percentage of American adults who have their blood pressure under control is significantly declining.”

AMA is collaborating with five medical schools to pilot the learning modules in the fall 2021 semester. AMA intends to extend the learning modules to other schools nationally in 2022.