NORC Expands List of Blood Pressure Measurement Devices Validated for Clinical Accuracy
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2020—NORC at the University of Chicago today announced updates to the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (VDL™). Launched in April 2020, the VDL assists providers and patients in identifying blood pressure (BP) devices that have been validated for clinical accuracy as determined through an independent review process. The expansion of the VDL adds nine new device models, two manufacturers, and three BP device types (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Automated Office Blood Pressure, Community Kiosk).
“BP measurement devices that don’t provide accurate readings can lead to adverse effects on health, especially during this time of heightened need,” said Laurie Imhof, senior research director in the Health Sciences department at NORC. “The significant VDL expansion will help patients and physicians better partner to manage high blood pressure—both in office and remotely.”
In October 2020, the U.S. Surgeon General released a Call to Action to make hypertension control a national public health priority and create tailored strategies aimed at improving reach and equity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 1 in 2 American adults have high BP, yet only about 1 in 4 have it under control. People with hypertension may also be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, especially those in underrepresented and under-resourced communities. Accurate BP measurement is a key step in improving hypertension control.
“The expansion of this list moves us closer to every person with hypertension having access to a validated BP measurement device to use in partnership with their physician. This is more important than ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic as an increased number of patients are measuring and monitoring their blood pressure at home,” said Susan R. Bailey, MD, president, American Medical Association (AMA). “Major device manufacturers must be willing to share their testing data and results for independent review to ensure physicians and their patients can trust readings from these devices. We believe these steps can help reduce the devastating impact hypertension has on vulnerable communities.”
The VDL supports the need for accurate and actionable data on BP control to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. With the expansion, the VDL now features 25 device models and five manufacturers, including A&D Medical, Hillrom-Welch Allyn, Microlife, Omron, and PharmaSmart.
The AMA enlisted NORC to assist in the design and management of an independent process to determine which BP devices available in the United States meet AMA’s established criteria (VDL™ Criteria) to validate clinical accuracy.
Device manufacturers interested in submitting a device for inclusion in the VDL are encouraged to review the VDL Criteria and email VDLsubmission@norc.org to receive instructions on submitting the required documentation. Submissions will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.
Additional information on the independent review process is available at ValidateBP.org.
About NORC at the University of Chicago
NORC at the University of Chicago conducts research and analysis that decision-makers trust. As a nonpartisan research organization and a pioneer in measuring and understanding the world, we have studied almost every aspect of the human experience and every major news event for more than eight decades. Today, we partner with government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world to provide the objectivity and expertise necessary to inform the critical decisions facing society.
Contact: For more information, please contact Eric Young at NORC at young-eric@norc.org or (703) 217-6814 (cell).