NEWS2 Total
Low risk
0
Parameter 1
Respiratory rate (breaths/min)
breaths/min
Parameter 2
Oxygen saturation (SpO₂ %)
%
Parameter 3
Supplemental oxygen
Parameter 4
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
mmHg
Parameter 5
Pulse rate (bpm)
bpm
Parameter 6
Consciousness (ACVPU)
Parameter 7
Temperature (°C)
°C
Clinical decision support only. NEWS2 guides frequency of monitoring and escalation — it does not replace clinical judgement. Always follow your facility's deteriorating patient policy and escalation pathway. NEWS2 is validated for adult patients ≥16 years. Do not use in maternity, paediatric, or neonatal settings. For patients receiving palliative care, clinical judgement should guide whether NEWS2 is appropriate.

Sources

  1. Royal College of Physicians. National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2: Standardising the assessment of acute-illness severity in the NHS. Updated report of a working party. London: RCP, 2017. rcplondon.ac.uk
  2. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard. safetyandquality.gov.au
  3. Smith GB, Prytherch DR, Meredith P, et al. The ability of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to discriminate patients at risk of early cardiac arrest, unanticipated intensive care unit admission, and death. Resuscitation. 2013;84(4):465–470. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.12.016
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