Awareness of Glasgow Coma Scale in anaesthesiology post-graduates in India: A survey

Abstract

Background: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a universal clinical means of quantifying the level of impaired consciousness. It has completed 40 years and has stood the test of time. The assessment is best when done by trained personnel. Anaesthesiologists often manage unconscious patients. Thus, they must be well versed with GCS. This survey aimed to assess the awareness of GCS in anaesthesiology post-graduates in India. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in 250 anaesthesiology post-graduates attending a refresher course in September 2014. Subjects and Methods: The questionnaire had 14 questions. Four questions were about the respondent, 5 questions on theoretical information and 5 questions on clinical scenarios. The available data were analysed using Epi Info. Results were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. Results: Response was received from 174 students (response rate: 70%). Ninety percent of students felt that GCS is important in assessing unconscious patients, 94% students used GCS for unconscious patients. Fifty-eight percent of students have been formally trained in GCS. Mean of correct answers to theoretical questions was 3.98 ± 0.71. Mean of correct answers to clinical questions was 3.2 ± 1.24. Difference between the two means is 0.78. This difference is considered to be statistically significant with P < 0.0001. Conclusions: While the post-graduates are well versed with ‘theoretical aspects’ of GCS, they need to strengthen their skills on clinical application. Hence, there is a need for reinforcement of GCS training for anaesthesiology post-graduates.

Keywords

Anaesthesiology - Glasgow Coma Scale - India - knowledge - post-graduates

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