Knowledge & Practice of GCS Among Nurses Working at ICU: Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standard check list, to implement in clinical valuation awareness is examined by a set of actions known as neuropsychological assessment. Aim: To assess the Knowledge and practice of nurses about GCS working in ICUs. Study design: Descriptive Cross sectional study. Methodology: Study population included 150 nurses working in ICU of 02 public sector hospitals, Lahore General Hospital and Services Hospital of Lahore. Nurse’s knowledge was evaluated by using an adapted modified self-administered questionnaire and their practices were evaluated by direct observation through a checklist. ICUs nurses study participants based on inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed by SPSS software, version 26 as qualitative variables were expressed as frequencies %ages Results: The results clarify that highest percentage 52.7% of participant’s age is between 26-30years, 56.7% respond correctly about the specific sections of scale, 42% responds correctly to the lowest score. 66.7% nurses correct answered to the initial devise to assess the level of consciousness. However 86.7% nurses have adequate level of knowledge that it is used to assess the traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: We concluded that participants are having adequate level of knowledge and performance in evaluating level of conscious in ICU patients. Hence, health care settings are required to provide GCS charts and protocols for patient’s safety and better outcome. Keywords: Assessment, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Knowledge and Practice.