KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLASGOW COMA SCALE AMONG NURSES IN MASABA NORTH SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool used to aid in objectively measuring the neurological status of a patient. The objectives of the study were to (i) examine the relationship of the demographics of the nurses and their knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale; (ii) find out about exposure of the nurses to the Glasgow Coma Scale; and (iii) assess their knowledge of Glasgow Coma Scale. The study was conducted in Masaba North Sub-County Hospital, Nyamira County, Kenya. The study population was all the nurses working in that hospital. The eligibility criteria were all nurses working during the data collection period and the exclusion criteria was all the nurses on study leave, maternity leave, and sick leave. The study design was cross-sectional using a quantitative approach to data collection. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The study concluded that: (i) there was low level of knowledge about Glasgow Coma Scale; and (ii) there was inappropriate application of basic theoretical knowledge to clinical scenarios. It is therefore recommended that: (i) the length and depth of both the teaching of the theoretical concepts and the skill of performing Glasgow Coma Scale assessment be reviewed by nursing schools for basic and post-basic educational programmes for nursing students with the view of adapting more comprehensive in-depth teaching combined with demonstrations in classrooms and during clinical experiences in order to enhance nurses’ knowledge of the Tool; and (ii) implementation of regular refresher training sessions.