An investigation into first year medical students' competence and honesty in recording blood pressure (BP) using a life/form blood pressure simulator.

Ability to accurately measure BP is a core skill required of undergraduate medics. Studies suggest that there are still deficiencies in the teaching and performance of BP measurement, but there is a paucity of data regarding students’ honesty/professionalism in a clinical skills setting. This study evaluates: training and competence in BP measurement and students’ confidence and professionalism. 94 students watched an in-house video production illustrating the technique for manual BP measurement in patients and using BPSTAs. Students practised the technique with trained facilitators and colleagues. Ability to measure BP was subsequently assessed in a formative OSCE using BPSTAs whose volume of pre-recorded Korotkoff’s sounds was adjusted to mimic those heard in patients. Students were examined using BPSTAs calibrated to read 105/75 mmHg or 136/90mmHg. Post OSCE, students completed questionnaires which included questions relating to demography, competence and confidence in BP measurement. Of the 94 students, 82 obtained an answer which fell within the pre-determined limits for this study. Analysis of student questionnaires is progressing. Conclusions: BP training was a successful, although timeconsuming exercise. Preliminary analysis suggests that training has improved students’ technique, procedural understanding of, and confidence in, BP measurement