Student measurement of blood pressure using a simulator arm compared with a live subject's arm.
OBJECTIVE
To compare accuracy of blood pressure measurements using a live subject and a simulator arm, and to determine students' preferences regarding measurement.


METHODS
This was a crossover study comparing blood pressure measurements from a live subject and a simulator arm. Students completed an anonymous survey instrument defining opinions on ease of measurement.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven students completed blood pressure measurements on live subjects while 72 students completed blood pressure measurements using the simulator arm. There were no significant systematic differences between the 2 measurement techniques. Systolic blood pressure measurements from a live subject arm were less likely to be within 4 mm Hg compared with measurements of a simulator arm. Diastolic blood pressure measurements were not significantly different between the 2 techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
Accuracy of student measurement of blood pressure using a simulator arm was similar to the accuracy with a live subject. There was no difference in students' preferences regarding measurement techniques.
Lee
Jennifer J
JJ
University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA.
Sobieraj
Diana M
DM
Kuti
Effie L
EL
D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003198:Computer Simulation; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology
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