Practical aspects of performing Glasgow Coma Scale observations.

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a tool that was developed to identify and chart possible changes or deterioration in a patient's level of consciousness and their neurological status. In 2014, the GCS marked its 40th anniversary, and further guidance was provided to assist healthcare practitioners with performing this assessment. This article discusses essential aspects of this guidance to enable healthcare practitioners to optimise GCS observations and their interpretation.

Guidelines on use of restraint in neuroscience settings.

Nurses working in neuroscience often have to manage patients whose behaviour puts themselves or others at risk of injury or compromises their care and treatment. The National Benchmarking Group has explored issues related to the restraint of patients and made some key recommendations. The aim was to develop guidelines for staff working in specialist areas on how to manage challenging behaviour while maintaining patient safety and dignity.

British Association of Critical Care Nurses position statement on the use of restraint in adult critical care units.

Critical care nurses in the United Kingdom have become increasingly concerned about the use, potential abuse and risks associated with physical restraint of patients. Restraint in critical care is not only confined to physical restraint but can also encompass chemical and psychological methods. There are concerns regarding the legal and ethical issues relating to the (ab)use of physical restraint techniques in critical care.