Knowledge and Utilization of Glasgow Coma Scale among Nurses in the Management of Unconscious Patients in Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola

Abstract

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) functions as a worldwide standard assessment tool that medical professionals use to determine unconscious patients' consciousness levels. The emergency and critical care field relies on GCS assessment, yet research shows nurses have inadequate knowledge about its application. The study was to evaluate the awareness and application of the Glasgow Coma Scale by Nurses in managing unconscious patients at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola. The focus was on Nurses' knowledge of the GCS, their use of the tool, and what hampers the effective use of the scale. The research involved a descriptive, cross-sectional survey. 120 nurses were purposively sampled and given a structured questionnaire. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The study indicated that 76.6% of the nurses had excellent knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale, whereas 23.4% were unfamiliar with it. Regarding the use, 60.8% of the participants said that they frequently apply the scale in the care of unconscious patients, while the remaining 39.2% either rarely or never use it. It is worth mentioning that 47.5% of the participants blamed insufficient training, while 32.5% pointed to a lack of equipment as the reason for the failure to utilize the scale effectively. The paper finds that although nurses have a good understanding of the GCS, they do not often use it in their work because of a lack of training and not having the necessary tools. To improve the continued and proper use of the GCS in the care of unconscious patients, it has been suggested that regular training sessions and the supply of assessment instruments be given top priority.