# Best Approach for Modelling Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA)

**Category:** [Clinical](https://discourse.openehr.org/c/clinical/5)
**Created:** 2025-03-19 19:48 UTC
**Views:** 48
**Replies:** 1
**URL:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/best-approach-for-modelling-pulse-wave-analysis-pwa/6581

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## Post #1 by @faebumax

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working on modelling the 24-hour blood pressure measurement at the University Hospital Basel. In some cases, a **Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA)** is performed alongside the 24-hour BP measurement.

The Pulse/Heart beat archetype doesn't currently include data elements to represent PWA measurements. In our case, the 24-hour average (mean) values for the following parameters are recorded:

* **Augmentation Index at Heart Rate 75 per Minute**
* **Cardiac Output**
* **Peripheral Resistance**
* **Pulse Wave Velocity**
* **Reflection Coefficient**
* **Central Diastolic Blood Pressure**
* **Central Systolic Blood Pressure**

I discussed this with my colleagues, and we have identified different approaches to model the PWA:

- Since the PWA is strongly related to the clinical concept of the pulse, it could be modelled **in the Pulse archetype** which would require a **change request**.

- The Pulse Archetype could be **extended with a cluster** for the PWA data elements (more tactical than strategical modeling).

- The PWA could be modelled as a **new Observation archetype**.

What do you think is the best approach here? I would be very grateful for your input.

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## Post #2 by @ian.mcnicoll

I probably don't know enough about PWA but I'd probably opt for the CLUSTER extension or even more so towards a new Observation.

I think to would be overloading the Pulse archetype to add this in there. It is already quite complex re Heart beat vs pulse etc.

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**Canonical:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/best-approach-for-modelling-pulse-wave-analysis-pwa/6581
**Original content:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/best-approach-for-modelling-pulse-wave-analysis-pwa/6581