USE BY TRAINEES IN ANESTHESIOLOGY OF THE GLASGOW COMA SCORE IN HEAD TRAUMA PATIENTS

Objective: To evaluate the quality and reliability of the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score when determined, in head trauma patients, by traine es in anaesthesiology. Study design: Prospective survey. Users: One hu ndred trainees in their first to fourth year of training in anaesthesi ology. Methodology: A questionnaire completed by the trainees concerni ng: demographic data; place, time and qualification of the physician d etermining the first GCS score; time and qualification of the physicia n determining the subsequent GCS score; assessment of the GCS score in case of asymmetrical motor response, tracheal intubation, bilateral e yelid oedema, or circulatory or ventilatory failure. Results: Sixty qu estionnaires were available for analysis. Lack of compliance with the rules for the GCS score evaluation resulted in many errors by most of the trainees, Only a few of them determined an accurate GCS score in c ases of asymmetric motor response or impossibility to determine verbal or ocular response. Finally, GCS scores were determined later only ve ry rarely. Conclusion: In order to provide optimal care and allow an a ccurate assessment of therapeutic efficiency, special attention should be given to the teaching of the GCS scoring method in head trauma pat ients.