The development of more accurate algorithms has encouraged the replacement of sphygmomanometers with automatic blood pressure (BP) monitors in adults. From the perspective of health professionals, these technologies are advantageous for their practicality and are less susceptible to observer errors, and many devices validated by standardized protocols are available for both clinical and home use. However, adherence to these technologies also depends on patient acceptance. No studies to date have examined patient preference for BP measurement in the Brazilian population, although Brazil has undertaken initiatives to replace auscultatory measurement with oscillometric measurement. This study aims to analyze patient preferences between sphygmomanometers and automatic monitors for BP measurement.

An analytic study was conducted with 93 subjects in a Brazilian outpatient care facility. A random sampling method was used to select participants. After obtaining informed consent, all subjects had their BP measured using a sphygmomanometer and then an automatic monitor for clinical use, both in a quiet room after 10 minutes rest. A structured interview on discomfort and preferences was then conducted. An unpaired t-test and a chi-square test were used.

The mean age was 39.11 (±14.22) years. Minor discomfort was identified when an automatic monitor was used (2.34 versus 2.52). Confidence was higher with the sphygmomanometers (73.11%), and 60.21 percent preferred this technology. There was no association between gender and preferences (p = 0.88), but an association with age was identified. The average age of subjects who preferred sphygmomanometers was higher compared to those who preferred automatic monitors (p < 0.05).

This study revealed that, although BP measurement using automatic monitors is less uncomfortable, patients rely more on sphygmomanometers. Results show that preference is related to age, as younger people tend to prefer automatic monitors. The findings of this study indicate the need to widely disseminate information regarding the accuracy of automatic monitors among patients, especially older ones, in order to make them part of the decision-making process for replacing sphygmomanometers with automatic monitors.