Curriculum Integration of an Interactive Blood Pressure Measurement Module to Improve Healthcare Students' Knowledge, Confidence, and Skills

Hypertension (HTN) is a global risk factor for death and a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Accurate blood pressure measurement (BPM) is essential for accurate diagnosis and management, yet many healthcare providers and trainees lack adequate BPM knowledge and technique due to non-standardized education and limited reinforcement. This study evaluated the impact of a structured BPM training program integrated into the curricula of two health professional training programs. Participants completed the American Medical Association's BP Measurement Essentials: Student Edition e-learning module alongside their traditional coursework. To assess the program's effectiveness, we administered pre- and post-intervention surveys and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), measuring changes in BPM knowledge, confidence, and technique proficiency. Both medical and PA student cohorts demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BPM knowledge and self-reported confidence. Post-training, students reported greater confidence in their technique and comfort in performing BPM on patients. Additionally, both groups showed improved ability to identify factors influencing BPM accuracy (medical students: p = 0.002; PA students: p = 0.035). Both cohorts showed significant gains in understanding proper BPM techniques (p < 0.001). OSCE results further validated improvements in technical accuracy and patient communication. Overall, structured BPM education significantly enhanced student proficiency, confidence, and clinical performance. These findings support the integration of standardized BPM training into healthcare education to strengthen BPM skills and improve HTN care outcomes.