Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify customer needs.
- Test blood pressure.
- Follow organisational procedures for testing blood pressure.
- Explain limitations of single test as accurate indicator and suggest regular monitoring.
- Select quiet and comfortable area and allow customer to relax before testing.
- Select blood pressure testing instrument and appropriate cuff size and clearly explain testing procedure to customer.
- Apply cuff and use testing instrument according to manufacturer instructions to test pulse, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
- Repeat procedure to check accuracy.
- Read test results, enter accurate and complete information on testing record and refer to pharmacist for verification.
- Provide confirmed record to customer and file copy.
- Support use of home blood pressure testing equipment.
- Follow organisational procedures for supplying home blood pressure testing equipment.
- Identify and recommend equipment appropriate to customer needs and clearly explain its features.
- Demonstrate use, care and maintenance of digital home blood pressure testing equipment and confirm customer understanding.
- Assist customer to identify self-testing strategies to achieve accurate readings.
- Show customer how to keep a blood pressure record.
- Provide information and advice on blood pressure management.
- Encourage customer to take and record regular blood pressure readings and report to their doctor.
- Advise customer to calibrate home testing equipment against doctor’s equipment reading every six months.
- Source, review and provide customers with information on lifestyle, self-care practices and availability of specialist services that support blood pressure management.