Evaluation of electronic, digital blood pressure monitors: perceptions and ease of operation

Blood pressure (BP) monitors intended for home health care were evaluated according to human-factors criteria, such as ease of operation, clarity of instruction booklet, perceived accuracy, and general preference. In the first phase, five types of BP monitors with various design characteristics were evaluated by pharmacy school students. A general preference was expressed for the electronic, digital BP monitors. In the second phase, four electronic, digital BP monitors were evaluated. Wide variations were observed in the perceptions of and preferences for these monitors. Approximately 64 to 70 per cent of the general preference for any of these instruments could be explained by perception of accuracy, instruction booklet preference, and ease of operation. There was no user preference for LED compared with LCD data readout. When compared with the method used by the evaluator's physician, all four electronic, digital BP monitors received satisfactory ratings.