Correct placement of blood pressure cuff during blood pressure measurement

The aim of this project was to educate staff nurses and enrolled nurses on the correct placement of blood pressure cuff and monitor the compliance of best practice to audit criteria.

This project adopted a pre- and post-implementation audit approach. It utilised the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice programs. The project utilised three audit criteria that are considered the best practice standards. The audit took place in a 10-bed oncology high-dependency unit that involved 24 nurses.

The post-implementation audit findings revealed an improvement in all the three criteria. The first criterion scored 100% consistent documentation of blood pressure measurement in the clinical charts by the nurses. The second criterion showed a 50% improvement in the correct placement of blood pressure cuff on the arm circumference. The third criterion achieved a 12% improvement in compliance with maintaining the patient's arm at the heart level.

This project highlighted some essential strategies that are required to implement evidence in clinical practice. These strategies include planning a systematic process, using Joanna Briggs Institute best practice sheet, involving relevant stakeholders and using multifaceted strategies. Having a committed and enthusiastic team contributed to the positive outcomes. The challenge now is to develop strategies in sustaining the momentum of compliance and embed the new evidence into routine clinical practice.