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Blood Pressure Testing Training Guide for Pharmacies www.omronhealthcare.co.uk
Why provide this testing service to your customers in the pharmacy? There are approximately 16 million people in the UK with high blood pressure, however nearly two thirds are not aware of the fact, which is understandable when there are no symptoms. However, if left, high blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart problems. By offering a blood pressure testing service through your pharmacy you have the opportunity to support your customers in managing their own health. OMRON Blood Pressure Monitors - Quality and accuracy built on experience. OMRON Healthcare, since 1973 OMRON has produced cutting edge automatic blood pressure monitors with unique and innovative technology, enabling fast, accurate and comfortable measurement. As of September 2009, 100 Million units have been sold worldwide, making OMRON the global leader in blood pressure monitoring solutions. To celebrate this landmark, OMRON will be donating money from each unit sold to UNICEF to help worthy causes around the world. Thanks for making us No.1 By using an OMRON blood pressure monitor in your Pharmacy Blood Pressure Testing Service, you are always sure to have a product that is accurate, reliable, easy to use, comfortable and clinically validated. This is why OMRON is the choice of healthcare professionals.
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What is Blood Pressure? ›
The heart is a small but very powerful pump that beats steadily.
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The pressure created by the heart to pump the blood through the blood vessels is called blood pressure.
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When the heart muscle contracts the blood surges through the arteries - this is when the systolic (upper) blood pressure value occurs.
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The diastolic (lower) value is the resting pressure before the heart contracts again.
What is High Blood Pressure? Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) According to the blood pressure classification by the WHO/ISH* (revised in 1999)
Severe hypertension
180 Moderate hypertension
160 * International Society of Hypertension
Mild hypertension
140 High-normal systolic value
130 Normal blood pressure
120 Optimal blood pressure
80
85
90
100
110
Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
WHO/ISH standard most commonly used. There is no real definition of hypo-tension (too low blood pressure)
What blood pressure reading should customers aim for when they are testing at home?
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Ideally below 140/85mmHg However, in some people this may be difficult to achieve. As blood pressure varies in everybody by quite a large amount, there will always be one or two readings when they measure their blood pressure, which will be higher, so they should always repeat the measurement when they are more relaxed. If they find that on repeated measurement their blood pressure is higher than usual they should make sure that they go and see their doctor/nurse, taking details of the measurements with them.
High Blood Pressure Hypertension is the term used when your blood pressure remains abnormally high. The most important causes of this condition are:
› Hereditary factors › Incorrect diet › Alcohol › Smoking › Lack of exercise › Stress
Consultation Area Requirements: The consultation area must be used to conduct the blood pressure testing and to communicate the results.
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Ensure:
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It is clean and tidy (surfaces are clear). The paperwork, support material and equipment are available. It has 2 chairs and a small table. Relevant health advice leaflets and information are on display.
The Technology - Intellisense™ › OMRON IntelliSense™ is the most advanced technology for blood pressure measurement. › An IntelliSense™ monitor inflates the cuff to the ideal level with each use. › No adjustments are required by the user to select an inflation level - this is especially convenient for hypertensive users because their blood pressure is likely to fluctuate.
› Personalised inflation for maximum comfort and accurate results.
The Equipment › The correct cuff size must be used for accurate measurement.
› The length of the cuff ’s bladder should encircle at least 80% of the upper arm. › A bladder which is too narrow or too large
Mid-arm circumference
Cuff type
Person
17 - 22cm
small
Child or slim adult*
22 - 32cm
medium
Average adult
32 - 42cm
large
Heavily muscled or obese
* Please note that the only BPMs suitable for use on a child are the 705-IT and the 705-CP II
may cause inaccurate measurements.
Importance of Validation OMRON Healthcare always stress to their customers the importance of using clinically validated monitors. Non validated devices varying in their degrees of accuracy have flooded the market making it difficult for consumers to decide which monitors they should invest in. Independent guidance can be sought from the British Hypertension Society and the Blood Pressure Association. The British Hypertension Society produces internationally renowned guidelines for the management of hypertension that are widely adopted in primary care in the UK. They also list on their website clinically validated blood pressure monitors thus enabling the consumer to check which devices have been approved. Whilst any blood pressure monitor carrying a “CE” mark on its packaging shows that it has undergone safety testing, it is not a measure of accuracy. If you wish to receive a Validation Report for any of the OMRON products, then please either call or e-mail OMRON’s customer services department. Alternatively this information can be accessed on OMRON’s website under the medical information section. Publications on Clinical Validations can also be found on the website of the World Hypertension League.
USEFUL WEBSITES British Hypertension Society www.bhsoc.org
International society of hypertension ww.ish-world.com
Blood Pressure Association www.bpassoc.org
www
Points to observe when measuring your own blood pressure › › › › › ›
Avoid cigarettes, tea and coffee up to twenty minutes before taking the test as this can affect the reading. Make sure that you do not need to go to the toilet as discomfort can increase blood pressure. Always measure your blood pressure when you are relaxed. Sit down and do not cross your legs. Ensure the cuff is Velcro fastened comfortably without being too tight. After starting the monitor, remain still during the measurement and do not talk. The British Hypertension Society recommends ignoring the first reading and taking the average of the second and third readings. Remember to wait 3 minutes between these readings.
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HOW TO USE AN OMRON... ...Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
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› Sit down and relax. Do not cross your legs. › Remove your coat or jumper if necessary to expose bare upper-arm. › It is not necessary to remove a shirt/blouse as the monitor can detect BP through thin clothing.
› Avoid rolling sleeves up as this can constrict the arm. 2.5 cm
› Place the cuff approximately 2.5 cm above the elbow crease. › Fasten the cuff comfortably without it being too tight. › Press the (O/I) button to switch the monitor on. › Remain still during the measurement and do not talk. › Press START. › The cuff will inflate and then slowly deflate. › Make a note of the measurement and the pulse rate. › The British Hypertension Society recommends ignoring the 1st reading and taking the average of the 2nd and 3rd readings.
› Remember to wait 3 minutes between each reading.
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What can you do to combat high blood pressure?
...Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
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› Sit down and relax. Do not cross your legs. 2.5 cm
› Place the cuff approximately 2.5 cm above the wrist with the monitor on the inside or side of the wrist.
› Fasten the cuff comfortably without it being too tight. › Press the (O/I) button to switch the monitor on.
› Place the arm across the chest, with the wrist at heart level. › Remain still during the measurement and do not talk. › Press START. › The cuff will inflate and then slowly deflate. › Make a note of the measurement and the pulse rate. › The British Hypertension Society recommends ignoring the 1st reading and taking the average of the 2nd and 3rd readings.
› Remember to wait 3 minutes between each reading.
Every form of high blood pressure can be effectively treated by taking suitable measures. As a means of prevention, and also to combat moderately increased blood pressure, changing your lifestyle and eating habits is often enough to produce an improvement. However, for most people medical treatment is necessary. On this point you should rely on your doctor’s advice and the medication they prescribe.
Steps to take: › Eat sensibly › Stop smoking › Reduce your alcohol consumption › Exercise regularly › Reduce sources of stress › Set aside time to relax › Monitor your blood pressure
Frequently asked questions (Blood Pressure Monitors) Why use an OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor? OMRON is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home use. By developing state of the art products that match the highest criteria in blood pressure monitoring technology, OMRON offers long lasting quality and accuracy. Typically OMRON monitors are clinically validated assuring you the most reliable readings. By taking steps to monitor and manage your own blood pressure, you can vastly improve the chances of greater long-term health and be able to provide your doctor with valuable information.
WHAT DO CUSTOMERS NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR? UPPER ARM OR WRIST? Both types give accurate and reliable results. Upper arm monitors are used in a more traditional way and are ideal for home use, whilst wrist monitors are smaller and can be more practical as the wrist is easier to expose than the upper arm.
? CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZED CUFF? (upper arm monitors) The correct cuff size should be used for an accurate measurement. The length of the cuff ’s bladder should encircle at least 80% of the arm. If the bladder is too short the blood pressure will be overestimated, since the pressure is not fully transmitted from the artery. A bladder which is too narrow or too large may cause inaccurate measurements.
MEMORY FEATURES OMRON blood pressure monitors come with features so that recent readings can be checked. These can range from 14 to 90 readings, depending on the monitor. The latest models can also record the time and date of each reading.
WHY IS A POSITIONING SENSOR USEFUL? (wrist monitors) An advanced positioning sensor (APS) is found on selected OMRON wrist monitors and enables the user to always position the product correctly providing the most accurate result.
WHAT IS 3 VALUE AVERAGE? It is recommended by the British Hypertension Society (BHS) that you take 3 readings at each sitting to get an accurate measurement. This feature works out your average blood pressure reading at the touch of a button.
WHY SHOULD A MONITOR BE CLINICALLY VALIDATED? Most OMRON blood pressure monitors are clinically validated (tested) by independent doctors according to predetermined protocol. This means you are medically assured of the accuracy of the measurements from a blood pressure monitor with this validation. OMRON is the preferred choice of healthcare professionals.
WILL MY MONITOR NEED RECALIBRATING? OMRON recommend that monitors used for home monitoring are recalibrated once every two years. Recalibration is simply a process of checking to see if a blood pressure monitor is still working correctly and accurately.
Benefits of purchasing an OMRON monitor... › All OMRON BPM’s are clinically validated complying to high standards of accuracy. › 3 years warranty from date of purchase. › Dedicated customer service team on hand Mon-Fri 8.30am till 5.00pm › Specialised technical customer services team. › Each monitor includes a blood pressure diary, customers can call the customer service number for free of charge replacements.
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Procedure for Blood Pressure Testing Objective - To provide safe , efficient and accurate blood pressure tests Scope - Blood pressure testing for all customers requesting assistance
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The following procedures are meant as a guideline; please refer to your organisation’s head office for any specific company policy or procedures.
Step by step procedural guidance 1
The test must be carried out in a consultation area by a trained member of the pharmacy team.
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Check it is at least 20 minutes since the customer had any caffeine (tea/coffee) or a cigarette (if they smoke) - if it isn’t, then ask them to return to the pharmacy later, if it is suitable.
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Invite the customer into the consultation area and ask them to sit down on a chair positioned next to a table in the consultation area.
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Start completing a blood pressure audit form.
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Ensure the customer is sitting comfortably with both feet flat on the floor.
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Record the blood pressure readings on the blood pressure audit form.
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Interpret the reading using the guidance you have been given.
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For blood pressure within the normal range offer lifestyle advice as necessary.
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For blood pressure out of the normal range, discuss the results of the test with the customer, re-check after 5 minutes and provide lifestyle advice as necessary.
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For customers with blood pressure out of the normal range, give them a copy of the blood pressure audit form to give to their doctor.
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File the blood pressure audit form with the patient’s notes.
If you have any query regarding the use of OMRON products contact: Customer Service Team: 0870 750 2771 Technical Support: 0870 750 2773 We will be happy to help with any enquiries
Also available form OMRON... offering you a complete pharmacy healthcare range Thermometers GT510
Step Counters Walking Style Pro
Body Composition Monitors BF508
Nebulisers U22
ENS E4 Professional
Sonic Electric Toothbrushes Sonic Style
Also if you have a monitor that you believe requires recalibration please call out Technical Team on 0870 750 2773
Clean Teeth, a Route to a Healthy Heart Scientific evidence shows a clear link between poor oral care and heart disease, diabetes and strokes. As the world’s biggest manufacturer of heart pressure monitors we have now turned our attention to the wellbeing of your teeth as it becomes increasingly clear that they too are a route to a healthy heart. Omron’s new Sonic Style Electric Toothbrushes are not just slim, smart and light but they are designed to get your teeth really clean. Features include*:
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Controllable speeds 30 second timer 3 minute cut out Super fast 33,000 strokes per minute
Designed to be your new partner to overall good health.
OMRON HEALTHCARE (UK) LIMITED Opal Drive, Fox Milne Milton Keynes MK15 0DG tel: 0870 750 2771 fax: 0870 750 2772 www.omronhealthcare.co.uk
* Features dependent on model