Nurses' self-confidence and attitudes in using the Glasgow Coma Scale: a primary study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Neurology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses impaired consciousness.
• Challenges exist in accurately completing certain GCS aspects.
• Ensuring accurate GCS performance is vital for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nurses' self-confidence and attitudes toward the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
• To identify factors influencing nurses' GCS confidence and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 114 Registered Nurses (RNs) in Singapore.
• Data were collected using questionnaires assessing demographics, attitudes, and self-confidence regarding the GCS.

Main Results:

• Clinical discipline, nursing seniority, and positive attitudes towards the GCS significantly predicted nurses' confidence.
• Experience in neuroscience settings and higher self-confidence scores influenced nurses' attitudes toward the GCS.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations in GCS attitudes and confidence exist among nurses with different demographics.
• Educational and mentoring interventions are recommended to enhance GCS proficiency and reduce patient safety risks.