A new initiative led by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research aims to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurements taken in general practice clinics to help reduce the rates of cardiovascular disease.
This initiative will see a broader rollout of automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement across 40 General Practitioners (GP) Clinics, and 6,000 patients, in Tasmania and other parts of Australia.
National guidelines recommend AOBP to better manage high blood pressure (hypertension) which is a major risk factor for thousands of Australians, yet it is rarely implemented.
Lead Researcher from Menzies’ Cardiovascular Research Flagship, Professor James Sharman said blood pressure is frequently not measured using the best possible method as many GPs don’t have enough time during short appointments and resourcing constraints.
“Blood pressure readings are central to how doctors diagnose and manage patients, guiding decisions about the type and dose of medication that can significantly shape a person’s long-term health,” Professor James Sharman said.
“This project can help fill an important gap in care for people with hypertension.”
AOBP uses an automated machine to take several readings while a patient rests quietly, providing a more reliable result than standard single measurements.
This method will result in a high-quality system of care, reduce health costs, and lead to improved health outcomes for patients.
The research team will support clinics with equipment, training and simple processes, making it easier for GPs to adopt the method and improve patient care-which could lead to better detection and management of risk for cardiovascular disease from high blood pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for serious conditions affecting Australians, including stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, eye disease and dementia.
This project aims to see AOBP rolled out is thanks to a $1.1 million grant from the NHMRC’s Partnership Project scheme.
How AOBP measurement works:
- The patient sits quietly and rests for a few minutes
- An automatic machine takes several readings
- The results are averaged for greater accuracy
- The doctor or nurse does not need to stay in the room