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Nurses' self‐confidence and attitudes in using the Glasgow Coma Scale: a primary study
Author(s) -
Mattar Ihsan,
Liaw Sok Y,
Chan Moon F
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/nicc.12077
Subject(s) - glasgow coma scale , confidence interval , medicine , seniority , demographics , psychological intervention , scale (ratio) , nursing , psychology , family medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , demography , physics , quantum mechanics , sociology , political science , law
Aims The aim of this study was to examine nurses' self‐confidence and attitudes towards the Glasgow Coma Scale ( GCS ). Background The GCS measures the depth and duration of impaired consciousness. However, there is an increasing evidence that problems are encountered in completing some aspects of the GCS . Design This descriptive correlational study recruited 114 Registered Nurses ( RNs ) in one acute care hospital in Singapore. Methods A set of questionnaires were given to the participants. The questionnaire had three parts, which collected data on demographics, attitudes and self‐confidence. Results Data analysis showed the type of clinical discipline ( B = 0·19), seniority in nursing (Staff Grade) ( B = 0·28) and higher attitude scores towards the GCS ( B = 0·41) were significant factors determining a nurse's confidence in using the GCS . A longer length of time working in a Neuroscience setting ( B = 0·21) and higher self‐confidence scores ( B = 0·41) were significant factors determining a nurse's attitude towards the GCS . Conclusion To ensure patient safety, the GCS has to be performed accurately. This study has shown there are differences in attitudes and self‐confidence in using the GCS between nurses of different demographics, and that there are a variety of factors influencing their attitudes and confidence. Relevance to clinical practice Mentoring and educational interventions are suggested in order to reduce safety risks resulting from lower proficiency in using the GCS .