TABLE 3.

Stepwise approach to device procurement

Step 1: Determine the ideal device for the clinical setting
	Mercury device	Aneroid device	Semi‐automated device	Fully automated device	Notes
Personnel
Are there trained health care professionals who can operate, or who can be trained to operate the BP device?
Yes	√	√	√	√
No				√
Do you have resources to provide training/retraining every 6‐12 mo?
Yes	√	√	√	√
No				√
Do you have access to biomedical engineers for frequent (eg every 6 mo) calibration needs?
Yes	√	√	√	√
No			√	√
Power
Is there adequate and reliable wall outlet or battery power available to support daily use of the device?
Yes	√	√	√	√
No	√	√	√
Durability and sustainability
Is the device meant for use in a single clinic or a mobile health center/community screening?
Single Clinic	√	√	√	√
Mobile Clinic			√	√
What is anticipated patient volume per year?
<10 000	√	√	√	√
>10 000			√	√	Automated devices intended for home use are not ideal; devices intended for professional use are preferred

Step 2: Identify potential devices for purchase
	Ideal	Acceptable	Not ideal	Do not purchase
Validation
Has the device been validated using a standard method?	Yes			No Do not know
Which validation protocol was used to validate the device?	AAMI/ISO/ESH, BHS	ESH‐IP		Do not know None
Availability/affordability
Does the manufacturer have a local or regional office?	Yes		No
Does the manufacturer offer a warranty?	Yes			No
Does the manufacturer offer bulk pricing options?	Yes		No
Cuffs
Does the device come with multiple cuff sizes?	Yes, provided with device	Yes, available for separate purchase		No
Do the available cuff sizes match arm sizes in your population?	Yes			No