Table 5 Measures of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of radial pulse strength.

From: Accuracy of breathing and radial pulse assessment by non-medical persons: an observational cross-sectional study

 

Sensitivity (%)

Specificity (%)

Accuracy (%)

Overall

(95% CI)

42.7

(37.4–48.0)

71.3

(67.8–74.7)

61.8

(58.7–64.7)

Weak

(95% CI)

56.0

(44.1–67.5)

72.1

(66.3–77.3)

68.6

(63.4–73.4)

Normal

(95% CI)

32.8

(25.8–40.3)

71.1

(63.7–77.7)

51.9

(46.5–57.2)

Strong

(95% CI)

50.0

(39.7–60.3)

70.7

(64.6–76.3)

64.8

(59.6–69.9)

  1. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient: rs = 0.288, P < 0.001.
  2. SBP systolic blood pressure, PR pulse rate, bpm beats per minute.
  3. We defined ‘weak’, SBP = 80 mmHg; ‘normal’, SBP = 120 mmHg; and ‘strong’, SBP = 180 mmHg.
  4. SPB 0 mmHg and PR 0 bpm data were excluded (n = 45).
  5. Incorrect answers regarging the presence of radial pulse were excluded (n = 32).
  6. CI confidence interval.
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