Ditch the Machine to Improve Accuracy in Blood Pressure Measurement and Diagnostics

Conclusion For the patient in this case, the decision to forego the convenience of a machine in favor of the skills of a knowledgeable paramedic was lifesaving. Much like the comparison often drawn between the old-fashioned barbell and more sophisticated exercise machines, newer, more complex, and more expensive might make a process more comfortable, but doesn’t always equate to superior results. As we surrender more and more of our hands-on skills to the ease of automated technology, we risk more than the loss of the aptitudes that form the foundation of sound patient assessment—we place our patients in jeopardy of misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment. Proper use of the aneroid sphygmomanometer is but one of many practices that’s important for EMS professionals to maintain if we are to claim that we are anything other than accomplices to placing our patients’ lives at the mercy of machines. Companion Article Taking a Manual Blood Pressure: Techniques & Pitfalls Use an aneroid sphygmomanometer for optimal measurement and diagnostic accuracy By Mark Rock, NRP References 1. Matera PA. Relying on your H&P. Are we losing the art of clinical medicine to technology? JEMS. 2008;33(3):60–70. 2. Grady D. (Oct. 11, 2010.) Physician revives a dying art: The physical. The New York Times. Retrieved Oct. 14, 2018, from https://nyti.ms/2kWtXn7. (Note: Subscription required.) 3. Asif T, Mohiuddin A, Hasan B, et al. Importance of thorough physical examination: A lost art. ...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Exclusive Articles Cardiac & Resuscitation Source Type: news