Summary
Objective
Narrative review of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) methodology.
Design
Narrative review of published papers describing methodological aspects of the GCS,
from Premedline, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Ovid Nursing databases from 1950 to May
2012.
Results
Examination of 18,851 references limited to descriptions of GCS development, pathophysiological
correlations, examination techniques, complications or clinician agreement gave a
final set of 33, which were summarised in this review.
Conclusion
The GCS was designed for the objective measurement of level of consciousness, assessment
of trend, and to facilitate accurate and valid communication between clinicians. Concerns
have been raised about the potential for misleading levels of precision engendered
by the use of the GCS, and the use of simpler scales suggested. This review discusses
the GCS and conditions affecting calculation of domain and summary scores, and recommends
a method of implementation and interpretation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 06, 2012
Accepted:
June 15,
2012
Received in revised form:
June 12,
2012
Received:
December 31,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
