Indicate number of observers trained and their background (e.g. physician, nurse, etc.). All staff who directly assess BP or train others in BP measurement should be trained and tested as part of quality control for research. They should also have experience conducting BP measurement on a routine basis. If auscultatory BP assessment used, training and testing for technique and accuracy using double-head stethoscope is recommended. Observer measurement competency testing should occur at least every 6 months throughout duration of a study, including assessment for measurement bias. Retraining should be performed whenever deficiencies are found. The BP measurement protocol should be provided in sufficient detail so that it can be duplicated by others. Measurement conditions should be clearly defined (e.g., location, position, resting period, etc.)(119) |
| BP Measurement Devices |
BP devices should be assessed for calibration at the start, every 6 months, and end of a study (at a minimum). Date of calibration, and when next calibration is due should be clearly marked on the device. More frequent calibration is warranted for aneroid devices. Data should be assessed and reported for terminal digit preference. When using the oscillometric approach, only devices that have passed accepted national or international validation protocols should be used (with references provided). For each cuff size used, specify the bladder dimensions and range of acceptable arm circumferences. Only upper-arm cuffs are recommended. |
| BP Assessment |
Multiple readings should be taken and averaged at each assessment. Multiple visits with BP assessments are preferred at baseline and during an intervention follow-up. The addition of out-of-clinic BP (ABPM or HBPM) to those measured only in research/clinical settings is preferred. For out-of-clinic assessments, ABPM is preferred over HBPM unless both methods can be used. |
