The path towards an accessible blood pressure monitor for persons living with low vision or blindness: a Canadian pilot study

PURPOSE: The prevalence of Canadians living with blindness or low vision is increasing, impacting healthcare access and management, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for hypertension diagnosis and management, yet accessibility barriers persist for individuals living with low vision or blindness. This study aimed to evaluate the accessibility and usability of commercially available home blood pressure monitors (HBPMs) for individuals who are blind or have low vision to identify user-informed design recommendations to support independent hypertension monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In collaboration with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), participants who are blind or have low vision evaluated three commercially available HBPMs. Participants assessed device usability and accessibility based on their ability to independently navigate device interfaces and features during device operation. RESULTS: Participants reported persistent barriers when navigating device interfaces, including the absence of tactile or audible guidance, which limited independent use. Participants also noted that while some HBPMs included "accessible" features, these were often restricted to premium models, thereby reducing affordability and equitable access. CONCLUSIONS: Based on participant feedback, design recommendations were identified to enhance the accessibility of HBPMs. These findings highlight the importance of inclusive co-design in developing equitable monitoring devices and support the advancement of accessible technologies.