Ahmed Ayoub
Background: The most important assessment in the neurological examination is to assess the level of consciousness (LOC), which is considered as the first step in neurological examination. Detecting the changes in level of consciousness depends on the accuracy of nursing assessment. The nurses should be knowledgeable, confident, and quick in performing this task. Purpose: of this study is to assess UAE nurses’ knowledge about GCS working in Al Dhafer Hospitals, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Methodology: This study was carried out in the Dhafra hospitals, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in April 2018. It is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Eighty-five nurses met the inclusion criteria, the survey was sent to 165 nurses (Respondent rate 51%). Data collection was carried out using a survey monkey instru¬ment called “Glasgow Coma Scale”. Data coding, entry and analysis has been conducted using SPSS 20 software. The difference has been tested at 95% level of significance, and the difference that has P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study revealed that the knowledge percentages mean of correct answers about GCS is 56.1 % {SD: ±11.7; 95% CI: [26.67-100]}. On the other hand, it revealed also that the percentages of nurses who have a good knowledge about GCS was 50.6% and staff whom have poor knowledge were 49.4 %. Moreover, the results revealed significant relation between gender and GCS training with level of GCS knowledge. Conclusion and recommendations: The present study showed that the nurses in Al-Dhafra hospitals reflect inadequate knowledge. This finding raises concerns about the importance of knowledge and skill in assessing GCS. Continuing education and practice on the use of the GCS tool are important. A Brochure and booklet should be designated and distributed to all nurses who working in critical care units and dealing with an unconscious patient. Specific and advanced courses about GCS should be conducted in Al-Dhafra hospitals.