Improving Accurate Blood Pressure Cuff Allocation in Patients with Obesity: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

ABSTRACT: Accurate noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurement requires use of an appropriately sized cuff. We aimed to improve the perioperative allocation of NIBP cuffs in patients with Class II-III obesity. In the baseline evaluation, we measured the mid-arm circumference (MAC) of 40 patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2, documenting the corresponding cuff allocated by pre-operative nurses. The intervention consisted of the introduction of cuff allocation based on MAC measurement and augmented NIBP cuff supplies. We completed a re-evaluation and evaluation of the intervention by staff survey, using 5-point Likert scales and free text comments. At baseline, the correct cuff was allocated in 9 of 40 patients (22.5%). During the intervention, education occurred in 54 (69.2%) peri-operative nursing staff. U

SUBMITTER: Eley V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8000816 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature