Errors and negative outcomes in home blood pressure monitoring by hypertensive individuals: a scoping review.

Abstract

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of hypertension; however, patients often perform inaccurate measurements because of inadequate technique, which may lead to adverse health outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map the errors and negative outcomes associated with HBPM in individuals with hypertension. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Fifteen databases were searched from April to May 2025. The review included primary studies, literature reviews, theses, and dissertations that addressed errors and negative outcomes of HBPM. Independent researchers assessed eligibility and performed data extraction. The data were analyzed descriptively. The search yielded 18 391 studies, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. In total, 35 distinct HBPM errors were identified. The most prevalent errors reported were failure to follow the recommended number or schedule for daily blood pressure (BP) measurements (57.14%), failure to support the back during measurement (35.71%), inadequate interval between meals or coffee consumption and BP measurement (35.71%), talking during measurement (35.71%) and failure to record the measured BP values (35.71%). The most frequently cited negative outcomes were anxiety, uncontrolled hypertension, self-medication, and an increased number of unplanned emergency room visits (40.0% each). This review highlights that many patients with hypertension perform HBPM inaccurately, committing errors that can be mitigated with professional guidance during consultations. Therefore, healthcare professionals and services must dedicate efforts to properly train and empower patients in the correct execution of this procedure.