ABSTRACT
Abstract Background Measuring blood pressure is a simple method, but it is subject to errors. Objective to evaluate the theoretical and practical knowledge of the steps of blood pressure measurement in health professionals, before and after the educational intervention. Methods The theoretical knowledge questionnaire on indirect blood pressure measurement was used to assess theoretical knowledge; to assess practical knowledge, the simulation strategy was applied in a standardized clinical setting and environment. The assessments were reapplied after one month. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were used. Results 30 health professionals from different categories; 19 of whom were males aged 41 ± 9.4 years and 11 were females aged 35 ± 9.5 years. Improvement was observed in most stages of theoretical and practical knowledge when compared to pre-and post-intervention, with an emphasis on the theoretical stages: "Position of the lower limbs" 2 (6.6%) x 16 (53.3%) and "Forceps with adequate position" 1 (3.3%) x 6 (20%). In the assessment of practical knowledge, it should be highlighted: "Do not speak during the measurement" 6 (20%) x 28 (93.3%) and in the "ideal size clamp" stage 0 (0%) x 5 (16.6 %). Conclusion The theoretical and practical knowledge on the stages of BP measurement by health professionals in this sample was insufficient. However, after the educational intervention, there was an improvement in the technique in most stages. (International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)