Construction and validation of an in-hospital transport simulation scenario.

OBJECTIVE: To build and validate the content of a clinical simulation scenario for teaching in-hospital transport of critically ill patients. METHODS: A descriptive study of construction and validation of a clinical simulation scenario for teaching in-hospital transport. A scenario based on the literature was built, followed by validation, using the Delphi technique, by five specialists, with an agreement of 80%. The experts were selected through snowball sampling. An instrument was developed containing 26 topics to be assessed for relevance, clarity, objectivity, feasibility, current content, vocabulary, and a field for observations. RESULTS: Two rounds were carried out by the specialists to reach a consensus of 80%. According to the experts´ recommendation, the initial scenario was written more clearly and objectively, and divided into two parts: patient preparation and patient transport. CONCLUSION: In this study, the construction and validation of the scenario for teaching in-hospital transport were successfully performed. It may be applied in several services to evaluate the training of nursing undergraduate students, as well as for the professional improvement of those who work in the in-hospital transport service.

Construction and validation of an in-hospital transport simulation scenario / Construção e validação de cenário de simulação de transporte intra-hospitalar

ABSTRACT Objective To build and validate the content of a clinical simulation scenario for teaching in-hospital transport of critically ill patients. Methods A descriptive study of construction and validation of a clinical simulation scenario for teaching in-hospital transport. A scenario based on the literature was built, followed by validation, using the Delphi technique, by five specialists, with an agreement of 80%. The experts were selected through snowball sampling. An instrument was developed containing 26 topics to be assessed for relevance, clarity, objectivity, feasibility, current content, vocabulary, and a field for observations. Results Two rounds were carried out by the specialists to reach a consensus of 80%. According to the experts´ recommendation, the initial scenario was written more clearly and objectively, and divided into two parts: patient preparation and patient transport. Conclusion In this study, the construction and validation of the scenario for teaching in-hospital transport were successfully performed. It may be applied in several services to evaluate the training of nursing undergraduate students, as well as for the professional improvement of those who work in the in-hospital transport service.

RESUMO Objetivo Construir e validar o conteúdo de um cenário de simulação clínica para ensino do transporte intra-hospitalar de pacientes críticos. Métodos Estudo descritivo de construção e validação de um cenário de simulação clínica para o ensino de transporte intra-hospitalar. Foi construído um cenário fundamentado na literatura seguido da validação, por meio da técnica Delphi, por cinco especialistas, com nível de concordância de 80%. Os especialistas foram selecionados por meio da amostragem do tipo bola de neve. Foi desenvolvido um instrumento contendo 26 tópicos, para serem avaliados quanto a pertinência, clareza, objetividade, exequibilidade, conteúdo atual e vocabulário. Havia ainda um campo para observações. Resultados Foram realizadas duas rodadas pelos especialistas para a obtenção de consenso de 80%. De acordo com a recomendação dos especialistas, o cenário inicial foi escrito de forma mais clara e objetiva, e divido em duas partes: preparo do paciente e transporte do paciente. Conclusão Neste estudo, foram realizadas, com êxito, a construção e a validação do cenário para ensino do transporte intra-hospitalar. Ele poderá ser aplicado em diversos serviços para avaliação da formação dos graduandos de enfermagem, assim como para aprimoramento profissional daqueles que atuam no serviço de transporte intra-hospitalar.

Prevention of Sudden Death Related to Sport: The Science of Basic Life Support-from Theory to Practice.

The sudden cardiac arrest (CA) and death of athletes are dramatic and emotionally impacting events for health professionals, family, and society. Although the practice of sport participation improves general health, physical fitness, and quality of life, intense physical exercise can be a trigger for CA and sudden death occasionally in the presence of known or unknown cardiac disorders (mainly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and risk factors (environment, health style, family, and genetic). The present review found that sudden death associated with CA was not such a common event in competitive athletes, but it might be an underestimated event in recreational athletes. Thus, considering the exponential increase in sport participation, both in a recreational or competitive way, and the rate of sudden CA, knowledge of implementing prevention and treatment strategies is crucial. This includes preparation of health professionals and lay people in basic life support (BLS); screening and pre-participation assessment in sport programs and health education; and promotion for the recognition of CA and early completion of BLS and rapid access to automatic external defibrillator to improve the victim survival/prognosis. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide for health professionals and lay people the most updated information, based on current guidelines, of how to proceed in an emergency situation associated with sudden CA of young adult athletes.

Types and frequency of errors in the preparation and administration of drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify compatibility, types and frequency of errors in preparation and administration of intravenous drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study performed at the emergency department of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). The sample consisted of 303 observations of the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs by nursing aides, nursing technicians and registered nurses, using a systematized script, similar to a checklist. The following variables were collected: errors related to dispensing, omission, schedule, unauthorized administration, dosage, formulation, incompatibility, preparation and administration. RESULTS: In the preparation stage, the following errors were identified: no hand hygiene (70.29%), and no use of aseptic technique (80.85%). Upon administration, no hand hygiene (81.18%), and no use of aseptic technique (84.81%). In 31.35% of observations, there was more than one medication at the same time for the same patient, of which 17.89% were compatible, 56.84% were incompatible and 25.26% were not tested, according to the Micromedex database. CONCLUSION: In both preparation and administration stages, the most frequent errors were no hand hygiene and no use of aseptic technique, indicating the need to develop and implement education programs focused on patient safety.

Types and frequency of errors in the preparation and administration of drugs / Tipos e frequência de erros no preparo e na administração de medicamentos endovenosos

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify compatibility, types and frequency of errors in preparation and administration of intravenous drugs. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study performed at the emergency department of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). The sample consisted of 303 observations of the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs by nursing aides, nursing technicians and registered nurses, using a systematized script, similar to a checklist. The following variables were collected: errors related to dispensing, omission, schedule, unauthorized administration, dosage, formulation, incompatibility, preparation and administration. Results: In the preparation stage, the following errors were identified: no hand hygiene (70.29%), and no use of aseptic technique (80.85%). Upon administration, no hand hygiene (81.18%), and no use of aseptic technique (84.81%). In 31.35% of observations, there was more than one medication at the same time for the same patient, of which 17.89% were compatible, 56.84% were incompatible and 25.26% were not tested, according to the Micromedex database. Conclusion: In both preparation and administration stages, the most frequent errors were no hand hygiene and no use of aseptic technique, indicating the need to develop and implement education programs focused on patient safety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a compatibilidade, os tipos e a frequência de erros no preparo e na administração de medicamentos endovenosos. Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo, realizado em um serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário da cidade de São Paulo (SP). A amostra foi constituída por 303 observações do preparo e administração de medicamentos endovenosos por auxiliares, técnicos de enfermagem e enfermeiros, tendo como instrumento um roteiro sistematizado, do tipo checklist. As variáveis coletadas foram: erro de dispensação, omissão, horário, administração não autorizada, dose, apresentação, incompatibilidade, e erros de preparo e administração. Resultados: Na etapa de preparo, foram identificados os seguintes erros: não higienização das mãos (70,29%) e não usar técnica asséptica (80,85%). Na etapa de administração, 81,18% não higienizaram as mãos, e 84,81% não usaram a técnica asséptica. Em 31,35% das observações, existia mais de uma medicação no mesmo horário para o mesmo paciente; destas 17,89% eram compatíveis, 56,84% incompatíveis e 25,26% não foram testadas, conforme análise feita na base de dados Micromedex. Conclusão: Tanto na etapa do preparo quanto na de administração, os erros mais frequentes foram a não higienização das mãos e o não uso de técnica asséptica, apontando para a necessidade de desenvolvimento e implantação de programas de educação centrados na segurança do paciente.

Do not attempt resuscitation orders at the emergency department of a teaching hospital / Ordens de não ressuscitação no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with not attempting resuscitation. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the emergency department of a teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 285 patients; in that, 216 were submitted to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 69 were not. The data were collected by means of the in-hospital Utstein Style. To compare resuscitation attempts with variables of interest we used the χ2 test, likelihood ratio, Fisher exact test, and analysis of variance (p<0.05). Results: No cardiopulmonary resuscitation was considered unjustifiable in 56.5% of cases; in that, 37.7% did not want resuscitation and 5.8% were found dead. Of all patients, 22.4% had suffered a previous cardiac arrest, 49.1% were independent for Activities of Daily Living, 89.8% had positive past medical/surgical history; 63.8% were conscious, 69.8% were breathing and 74.4% had a pulse upon admission. Most events (76.4%) happened at the hospital, the presumed cause was respiratory failure in 28.7% and, in 48.4%, electric activity without pulse was the initial rhythm. The most frequent cause of death was infection. The factors that influenced non-resuscitation were advanced age, history of neoplasm and the initial arrest rhythm was asystole. Conclusion: Advanced age, past history of neoplasia and asystole as initial rhythm were factors that significantly influenced the non-performance of resuscitation. Greater clarity when making the decision to resuscitate patients can positively affect the quality of life of survivors.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à não realização de ressuscitação. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário. A amostra foi composta por 285 pacientes, dos quais 216 foram submetidos à ressuscitação cardiopulmonar, e 69 não tiveram esta conduta. Os dados foram coletados por meio do in-hospital Utstein Style. Para comparar as tentativas de ressuscitação e as variáveis de interesse, utilizaram-se o teste do χ2, a razão de verossimilhança, o teste exato de Fisher e a análise de variância (p<0,05). Resultados: A não ressuscitação foi considerada injustificável em 56,5% dos casos, sendo que 37,7% não queriam ressuscitação e 5,8% foram encontrados mortos. Do total de pacientes, 22,4% tiveram parada cardíaca prévia, 49,1% eram independentes para Atividades de Vida Diária, e 89,8% tinham alguma história pregressa; 63,8% estavam conscientes, 69,8% estavam respirando e 74,4% tinham pulso palpável à admissão. A maioria dos eventos (76,4%) ocorreu no hospital, e a causa presumida de parada foi insuficiência respiratória em 28,7% e, em 48,4%, o ritmo inicial foi atividade elétrica sem pulso. A causa mais frequente de morte foi infecção. Os fatores que influenciaram na não realização de ressuscitação foram idade avançada, história de neoplasia e assistolia como ritmo inicial de parada. Conclusão: Idade avançada, história de neoplasia e assistolia como ritmo inicial foram os fatores que influenciaram significativamente na não realização de ressuscitação. Maior clareza na decisão de reanimar pode afetar positivamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Benefícios da prática da espiritualidade e religiosidade para pessoas com epilepsia / Benefits of spiritual and religious practices for people with epilepsy

A epilepsia é considerada uma doença neurológica enigmática pela forma de manifestação de seus sinais e sintomas. É importante notar que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade pode impactar positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenças neurológicas, em particular a epilepsia, sendo considerada uma forma de enfrentamento e tratamento complementar da doença. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar informações referentes aos possíveis benefícios da prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade como forma de tratamento alternativo de pacientes com essa condição. Esta pesquisa consistiu de ampla revisão de literatura realizada na base de dados PubMed. Para a seleção dos artigos, dentro da temática de interesse (27 no total), foram utilizados os descritores "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life" e "religion" bem como seus cruzamentos. Além disso, foram utilizados outros artigos que apontavam as definições, a classificação, os aspectos históricos e epidemiológicos e as diretrizes do manejo da epilepsia. Foi possível concluir que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade somada ao tratamento convencional pode ser uma alternativa a ser recomendada pelos profissionais da saúde, pois impacta positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com epilepsia.

Epilepsy is an enigmatic neurological disease, due to the manner its signs and symptoms are manifested. The practice of spirituality/religiosity can positively impact the quality of life of patients with neurological diseases, particularly epilepsy, and it is considered a form of coping and complementary treatment of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to present information regarding the possible benefits of the spirituality/ religiosity practices as alternative treatments for patients with epilepsy. This article consisted of a broad literature review carried out in the database PubMed. For the selection of articles within the theme of interest (27 in total), the descriptors used were "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life", and "religion" as well as their intersections. In addition, other articles that pointed definitions, classifications, historical and epidemiological aspects, and the guidelines of epilepsy management were used. It was possible to conclude that the spirituality/religiosity practice in addition to conventional treatment may be an alternative to be recommended by health professionals, since it positively impacts epilepsy patients' quality of life.

Do not attempt resuscitation orders at the emergency department of a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with not attempting resuscitation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at the emergency department of a teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 285 patients; in that, 216 were submitted to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 69 were not. The data were collected by means of the in-hospital Utstein Style. To compare resuscitation attempts with variables of interest we used the χ2 test, likelihood ratio, Fisher exact test, and analysis of variance (p<0.05). RESULTS: No cardiopulmonary resuscitation was considered unjustifiable in 56.5% of cases; in that, 37.7% did not want resuscitation and 5.8% were found dead. Of all patients, 22.4% had suffered a previous cardiac arrest, 49.1% were independent for Activities of Daily Living, 89.8% had positive past medical/surgical history; 63.8% were conscious, 69.8% were breathing and 74.4% had a pulse upon admission. Most events (76.4%) happened at the hospital, the presumed cause was respiratory failure in 28.7% and, in 48.4%, electric activity without pulse was the initial rhythm. The most frequent cause of death was infection. The factors that influenced non-resuscitation were advanced age, history of neoplasm and the initial arrest rhythm was asystole. CONCLUSION: Advanced age, past history of neoplasia and asystole as initial rhythm were factors that significantly influenced the non-performance of resuscitation. Greater clarity when making the decision to resuscitate patients can positively affect the quality of life of survivors.

Correlation between classification in risk categories and clinical aspects and outcomes.

Objective: to correlate classification in risk categories with the clinical profiles, outcomes and origins of patients. Method: analytical cross-sectional study conducted with 697 medical forms of adult patients. The variables included: age, sex, origin, signs and symptoms, exams, personal antecedents, classification in risk categories, medical specialties, and outcome. The Chi-square and likelihood ratio tests were used to associate classifications in risk categories with origin, signs and symptoms, exams, personal antecedents, medical specialty, and outcome. Results: most patients were women with an average age of 44.5 years. Pain and dyspnea were the symptoms most frequently reported while hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Classifications in the green and yellow categories were the most frequent and hospital discharge the most common outcome. Patients classified in the red category presented the highest percentage of ambulance origin due to surgical reasons. Those classified in the orange and red categories also presented the highest percentage of hospitalization and death. Conclusion: correlation between clinical aspects and outcomes indicate there is a relationship between the complexity of components in the categories with greater severity, evidenced by the highest percentage of hospitalization and death.

Ressuscitação cardiopulmonar na gestação: uma revisão integrativa / Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pregnancy: an integrative review

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar dados sobre atendimento à parada cardiorrespiratória na gestação. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa de artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2015, em português, inglês e espanhol com a utilização dos seguintes descritores: "Parada Cardíaca"; "Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar"; "Gestante" e "Gestação", nas seguintes bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS e CUMED. A idade gestacional variou de 10 a 41 semanas, as etiologias mais comuns da parada cardiorrespiratória foram embolia pulmonar e trauma, os ritmos foram fibrilação ventricular e atividade elétrica sem pulso e o tempo em parada cardiorrespiratória variou de 15 a 60 minutos. O tratamento foi ressuscitação cardiopulmonar, intubação, administração de epinefrina e cesárea de emergência. Os desfechos mais observados nas mães e recém-nascidos foram alta e bom estado neurológico. Conclui-se que protocolos de atendimento específicos podem respaldar e auxiliar a tomada de decisão da equipe durante a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar, aumentando a sobrevida e diminuindo o dano neurológico nestas pacientes.

The objective of this study was to identify data of compliance in cardiac arrest during pregnancy. An integrative review of articles published between 2010 and 2015 in Portuguese, English and Spanish using the following descriptors: "Cardiac Arrest"; "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation"; "Pregnant" and "Pregnancy" was perfeormed in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS and CUMED. The gestational age ranged from 10 to 41 weeks, the most common etiologies of cardiopulmonary arrest were pulmonary embolism and trauma, the rhythms were ventricular fibrillation and pulseless electrical activity and the time in cardiac arrest ranged from 15 to 60 minutes. Treatment was cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, administration of epinephrine and emergency cesarean section. The outcomes observed in more mothers and newborns were hospital discharge and good neurological status. In conclusion, specific care protocols can endorse and assist the team's decision-making during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, increasing survival and decreasing neurological damage in these patients.

The Spiritism as therapy in the health care in the epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: to present a brief history of Spiritism, the vision of epilepsy by Spiritism, and the potential of spirituality and religiosity care as complementary and coadjutants treatments in epilepsy. METHOD: this is a brief review about the impact of faith, spirituality, and religiosity, particularly the Spiritism philosophy as complementary treatment to neurological disorders (particularly focusing on epilepsy) and mental health. We conduct a review of published articles (about religion/spirituality and epilepsy) in the Pubmed and SciELO databases. CONCLUSION: the exercise of spirituality and religiosity can be a positive coping strategy to support the traditional therapy of patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. However, it is necessary to demystify myths and beliefs about the epilepsy and improve knowledge about this important health dimension among professionals, patients, and caregivers to explore their full treatment and supportive potential.

The Spiritism as therapy in the health care in the epilepsy / O Espiritismo como terapia no cuidado em saúde na epilepsia / Espiritismo como terapia en el cuidado de la salud en la epilepsia

ABSTRACT Objective: to present a brief history of Spiritism, the vision of epilepsy by Spiritism, and the potential of spirituality and religiosity care as complementary and coadjutants treatments in epilepsy. Method: this is a brief review about the impact of faith, spirituality, and religiosity, particularly the Spiritism philosophy as complementary treatment to neurological disorders (particularly focusing on epilepsy) and mental health. We conduct a review of published articles (about religion/spirituality and epilepsy) in the Pubmed and SciELO databases. Conclusion: the exercise of spirituality and religiosity can be a positive coping strategy to support the traditional therapy of patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. However, it is necessary to demystify myths and beliefs about the epilepsy and improve knowledge about this important health dimension among professionals, patients, and caregivers to explore their full treatment and supportive potential.

RESUMO Objetivo: apresentar uma breve história do Espiritismo, a visão da epilepsia pelo Espiritismo e o potencial dos cuidados de espiritualidade e religiosidade como tratamentos complementares e coadjuvantes na epilepsia. Método: trata-se de uma breve revisão sobre o impacto da fé, da espiritualidade, da religiosidade, particularmente da filosofia espírita, como tratamento complementar dos distúrbios neurológicos (particularmente com foco na epilepsia) e da saúde mental. Para isso, fizemos uma revisão, sobre religiosidade/espiritualidade e epilepsia, na base de dados do Pubmed e SciELO. Conclusão: o exercício da espiritualidade e da religiosidade pode ser uma estratégia de enfrentamento positiva para apoiar a terapia tradicional no tratamento de pacientes com epilepsia. No entanto, é preciso desmistificar mitos e crenças sobre a epilepsia e melhorar o conhecimento deste aspecto importante da dimensão da saúde entre profissionais, pacientes e cuidadores para explorar todo o potencial de tratamento e suporte.

RESUMEN Objetivo: presentar una breve historia del Espiritismo, la visión de la epilepsia por el Espiritismo, y el potencial de la espiritualidade y religiosidad como tratamientos complementarios y coadyuvantes de la epilepsia. Método: esta es una breve revisión del impacto de la fe, la espiritualidad y religiosidad, en particular la filosofía espiritual como tratamiento complementario de los trastornos neurológicos (centrada especialmente en la epilepsia) y la salud mental. Para esto, se realizó una revisión de la religiosidad/espiritualidad y la epilepsia en la base de datos PubMed y SciELO. Conclusión: el ejercicio de la espiritualidad y la religiosidad puede ser una estrategia de afrontamiento y tratamiento positivo para apoyar la terapia tradicional de los pacientes con epilepsia y otros trastornos neurológicos. Sin embargo, es necesario desmitificar muchas creencias sobre la epilepsia así como mejorar el conocimiento sobre este importante aspecto de la dimensión de salud entre profesionales, cuidadores y pacientes para explorar su potencial para el tratamiento y el apoyo.

Assessment of nurse's knowledge about Glasgow coma scale at a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of nurses of emergency services and intensive care units about Glasgow Coma Scale. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study included 127 nurses of critical units of an university hospital. We used structured interview with 12 questions to evaluate their knowledge about the scale. Association of Knowledge with professionals' sociodemographic variables were verified by the Fisher-test, χ2 and likelihood ratio. RESULTS: Most of participants were women mean aged 31.1 years, they had graduated more than 5 years previously, and had 1 to 3 years of work experience. In the assessment of best score possible for Glasgow scale (question 3) nurses who had graduate more than 5 years ago presented a lower percentage success rate (p=0.0476). However, in the question 7, which evaluated what interval of the scale indicated moderate severity of brain trauma injury, those with more years of experience had higher percentage of correct answers (p=0.0251). In addition, nurses from emergency service had more correct answers than nurses from intensive care unit (p=0.0143) in the same question. Nurses graduated for more than 5 years ago had a lower percentage of correct answers in question 7 (p=0.0161). Nurses with more work experience had a better score (p=0.0119) to identify how assessment of motor response should be started. CONCLUSION: Number of year since graduation, experience, and work at critical care units interfered in nurses' knowledge about the scale, which indicates the need of training. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento de enfermeiros de unidades críticas, serviços de emergência e unidades de terapia intensiva em relação à escala de coma de Glasgow. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e analítico com 127 enfermeiros de unidades críticas de um hospital universitário. Utilizou-se entrevista estruturada com 12 questões que avaliaram conhecimento sobre a escala. Associação do conhecimento com variáveis sociodemográficas dos profissionais foi verificada pelo teste de Fisher, teste χ2 e razão de verossimilhança. RESULTADOS: Houve predominância de mulheres, média de idade de 31,1 anos, especialistas, mais de 5 anos de formado e experiência profissional de 1 a 3 anos. Na avaliação do melhor escore possível para pontuação na escala (questão 3), enfermeiros com tempo de formação maior que 5 anos apresentaram menor porcentual de acertos (p=0,0476). Em relação à questão 7, que avaliou qual intervalo da escala indicava gravidade moderada do trauma craniencefálico, observou-se que quanto maior o tempo de experiência, maior o porcentual de acertos (p=0,0251), sendo que enfermeiros do serviço de emergência tiveram mais acertos nessa questão em relação aos das unidades de terapia intensiva (p=0,0143). Além disso, enfermeiros formados há mais de 5 anos apresentaram menor porcentual de acertos nessa questão (p=0,0161). Quando se identificou como deve ser iniciada a avaliação da resposta motora, enfermeiros com maior tempo de trabalho na unidade apresentaram mais acertos (p=0,0119). CONCLUSÃO: Tempo de formação, experiência e trabalho na unidade interferiu no conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre a escala, evidenciando necessidade de capacitação.

Assessment of nurse's knowledge about Glasgow coma scale at a university hospital / Avaliação do conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre a escala de coma de Glasgow em um hospital universitário

ABSTRACT Objective To assess knowledge of nurses of emergency services and intensive care units about Glasgow Coma Scale. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study included 127 nurses of critical units of an university hospital. We used structured interview with 12 questions to evaluate their knowledge about the scale. Association of Knowledge with professionals’ sociodemographic variables were verified by the Fisher-test, χ2 and likelihood ratio. Results Most of participants were women mean aged 31.1 years, they had graduated more than 5 years previously, and had 1 to 3 years of work experience. In the assessment of best score possible for Glasgow scale (question 3) nurses who had graduate more than 5 years ago presented a lower percentage success rate (p=0.0476). However, in the question 7, which evaluated what interval of the scale indicated moderate severity of brain trauma injury, those with more years of experience had higher percentage of correct answers (p=0.0251). In addition, nurses from emergency service had more correct answers than nurses from intensive care unit (p=0.0143) in the same question. Nurses graduated for more than 5 years ago had a lower percentage of correct answers in question 7 (p=0.0161). Nurses with more work experience had a better score (p=0.0119) to identify how assessment of motor response should be started. Conclusion Number of year since graduation, experience, and work at critical care units interfered in nurses’ knowledge about the scale, which indicates the need of training.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento de enfermeiros de unidades críticas, serviços de emergência e unidades de terapia intensiva em relação à escala de coma de Glasgow. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico com 127 enfermeiros de unidades críticas de um hospital universitário. Utilizou-se entrevista estruturada com 12 questões que avaliaram conhecimento sobre a escala. Associação do conhecimento com variáveis sociodemográficas dos profissionais foi verificada pelo teste de Fisher, teste χ2 e razão de verossimilhança. Resultados Houve predominância de mulheres, média de idade de 31,1 anos, especialistas, mais de 5 anos de formado e experiência profissional de 1 a 3 anos. Na avaliação do melhor escore possível para pontuação na escala (questão 3), enfermeiros com tempo de formação maior que 5 anos apresentaram menor porcentual de acertos (p=0,0476). Em relação à questão 7, que avaliou qual intervalo da escala indicava gravidade moderada do trauma craniencefálico, observou-se que quanto maior o tempo de experiência, maior o porcentual de acertos (p=0,0251), sendo que enfermeiros do serviço de emergência tiveram mais acertos nessa questão em relação aos das unidades de terapia intensiva (p=0,0143). Além disso, enfermeiros formados há mais de 5 anos apresentaram menor porcentual de acertos nessa questão (p=0,0161). Quando se identificou como deve ser iniciada a avaliação da resposta motora, enfermeiros com maior tempo de trabalho na unidade apresentaram mais acertos (p=0,0119). Conclusão Tempo de formação, experiência e trabalho na unidade interferiu no conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre a escala, evidenciando necessidade de capacitação.