title: Knowledge of Glasgow coma scale by physicians in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) form the basis for important management decisions by the attending physicians or other health personnel in the care of comatose patients. Inaccurate reporting may result in unnecessary treatment and diagnostic tests. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of GCS among physicians in different specialties of training in a tertiary centre in Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a descriptive survey conducted among doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Ilorin, in North Central Nigeria. Physicians from different specialties and all levels of training were surveyed. Questionnaires were administered simultaneously within a department without prior notification. Participants were instructed not to use any reference materials while completing the questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Majority of the physicians could indicate correctly what GCS stands for (97%) and identify each category correctly. However, only 37% could score all the categories correctly. There was a positive impact in theoretical knowledge and recall among respondents who has had training in GCS. The level of training of respondents correlated well with recall of GCS with Residents and interns faring better than fellows and medical officers. Recall of GCS scoring was least among Physicians in family medicine compared to physicians in other specialties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improved training with retention strategies in the use of the GCS and retraining of all physicians involved in the management of the comatose patients should be the focus of future strategic plans.
authors: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Yusuf
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Salaudeen
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Adewale
authors: O M
authors: OM
authors: Babalola
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D005194:Family Practice; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009462:Neurology; D009493:Neurosurgery; D009549:Nigeria; D010820:Physicians / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers