Recommendations for evaluating photoplethysmography-based algorithms for blood pressure assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Physiological Monitoring

Background:

• Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive optical method for assessing blood volume changes.
• PPG shows promise for clinical blood pressure (BP) assessment and hypertension management.
• PPG-based algorithms can introduce bias and inaccuracy, impacting performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing measures for assessing PPG-based algorithm performance.
• To recommend standardized error evaluation in PPG algorithm development.
• To enhance the reliability and accuracy of PPG-based BP estimation.

Main Methods:

• Review of seven widely used measures for PPG-based algorithm performance evaluation.
• Analysis of sources of error affecting PPG measurements.
• Recommendation for standardized development and validation protocols.

Main Results:

• Identification of key error sources in PPG-based BP algorithms.
• Evaluation of current performance assessment measures.
• Highlighting the need for standardized error analysis.

Conclusions:

• Standardized error evaluation in PPG algorithm development is crucial.
• Improved accuracy in PPG-based BP estimation can enhance hypertension management.
• Reliable PPG technology can lead to better patient health outcomes.