Teaching blood pressure measurement among hypertensive patients: educational strategy with low-fidelity simulator

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate practical knowledge about the technique of indirect blood pressure measurement performed by hypertensive patients at home before and after educational intervention with a low-fidelity simulator. Methods: Quasi-experimental study, of the before and after type, carried out in a Family Health Strategy Unit, from January to July 2016. The convenience sample consisted of 30 hypertensive patients, over 18 years old, who used an articulated wooden doll as a low-fidelity simulator to reproduce the steps of indirect blood pressure measurement at home. Results: After the educational strategy, the hypertensive patients had a higher proportion of correct answers in relation to the preparation of the environment, preparation of the patient and positioning of the body. Conclusion: the use of a low-fidelity simulator had a positive impact on promoting knowledge about the technique of indirect blood pressure measurement at home.