Introduction

This RLO is designed to help you learn more and feel more confident about using the Glasgow Coma Scale. There are detailed explanations of each element from educators and practitioners and it is hoped that it will help you apply this important assessment in practice.

" Hello my name is Louise Barnes and I am a deputy sister in the Neurosciences Unit in Nottingham. A large part of our work in the Unit is the accurate assessment of our patients' level of consciousness. It is important for our patients that we assess accurately to a recognised change in their clinical status as this allows us to act in a timely and effective manner to manage their care. This is crucial as optimal management of patients with neurological problems has the potential to improve the outcome of their treatment. "