The American Medical Association is funding blood pressure measurement education at Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy, in partnership with the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, is one of five universities that will each receive a $20,000 grant to teach the correct way to check blood pressure, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced Wednesday.

“Despite the fact that inaccurate blood pressure measurements are linked to errors in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure and can lead to more adverse outcomes, medical and health profession students are not currently receiving consistent training in BP measurement,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld.

The Pitt program, called Pitt Bridging Education and Team-Based Care (BEAT) for Blood Pressure Measurement is expected to begin blood pressure screening events on Sept. 13 at the Panther Wellness Fair in the William Pitt Union, said Melissa S. McGivney, associate dean for community partnerships and professor of pharmacy and therapeutics, who led the application for the grant.

The training will be led by faculty in the Schools of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing and Health and Rehabilitation Science, as well as the Pitt Vaccination and Health Connection Hub (The Hub).

Join one of the upcoming Pitt BEAT signature experiences occurring in partnership with The Hub’s Mass Flu Vaccination Events on Sept. 13 and 15 at the William Pitt Union and Oct. 3 and 4 at the Petersen Events Center. You can also stop by The Hub daily for blood pressure screenings and vaccinations.

Learn more about The Hub’s services.