Table 1. Proportions of observed procedural proficiency and mentioned thoughts transcribed using ‘Think Aloud’ during sphygmomanometer set-up, n=112, Slippery Rock University 2015
Procedural proficiency BP-0 BP-4 BP-10 BP-14
PP* (%) TA (%) PP (%) TA (%) PP (%) TA (%) PP (%) TA (%)
Palpated for brachial pulse 5 19 90 77 81 94 68 100
Appropriate-sized cuff 17 8 40 69 33 91 41 100
Cuff smoothly/snugly on arm 20 14 60 77 81 79 91 86
Cuff on skin, not clothing 78 38 50 62 83 73 86 86
Cuff 1" above antecubital 7 3 60 8 92 3 95 14
Centre of bladder over artery 7 14 50 62 100 73 95 86

*PP: Procedural Proficiency; †TA: ‘Think Aloud’

Int J Med Educ. 2016; 7:375-381; doi: 10.5116/ijme.580b.2e4f