Have you ever wondered if the blood pressure self-monitoring strategies we ask our students and practicing nurses to teach patients are effective? Recent examination by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of 49 studies determined that self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) improves blood pressure control by a small amount, when compared with usual care administered by healthcare providers. Results showed statistically significant reductions in blood pressure with self-monitoring at 6 months (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure, -3.1/-2.0 mm Hg), but not at 12 months (-1.2/-0.8 mm Hg). At up to 12 months, improvements were noted when SMBP is combined with some other form of support including telemonitoring, counseling, Web support, education, behavioral interventions, or home visits. However, data are not available regarding which form of support is most effective in assisting patients to control blood pressure.

In addition, data from the studies analyzed do not support the impact of SMBP on mortality, quality of life, number of medications used, medication adherence, or healthcare visits. Few data are available related to the impact of SMBP beyond 12 months. We do know that even a 5-mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. Still, additional evidence is needed to support self-monitoring strategies and to determine which other form of support contributes to the most beneficial clinical outcomes.

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. February 22, 2012. Effectiveness of self-measured blood pressure monitoring in adults with hypertension. Effective Health Care Program. Available at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-. Accessed March 5, 2012.

Submitted by: Robin E. Pattillo, PhD, RN, CNL, news editor at [email protected].