Current clinical practice does not produce quality data. Current practice is to observe and record vital signs once per hour, while vital signs can change between heart beats. Many caregivers discount the value of clinical recorded data. The lack of confidence in clinical data may be expected to effect caregivers attitudes towards patient recorded data. Conclusions Self testing is here.
Patients have the equipment available and have the option to test themselves.
The pharmacist has a role in patient monitored data. Patients need the pharmacist help in understanding and using the data they have collected on themselves. Our case study, the heart patient has demonstrated that there are graphing methods that will enhance the meaning of the data collected and help patients, pharmacists, and physicians understand better the data that are collected. The monitors purchased by the patient should be studied by the pharmacist so that they can help individuals select the best device for their situation and so that the data collected is of maximum value. The encouragement of self testing is a judgement call based on the patient, their skills, and their clinical condition.