The Cardiovascular
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National Early Warning Score (NEWS)

Aggregate vital-sign track-and-trigger score for clinical deterioration.

National Early Warning Score (NEWS)
Respiratory rate
/min
Oxygen saturation
%
Temperature
C
Systolic blood pressure
mmHg
Heart rate
bpm
On supplemental oxygen
Level of consciousness (AVPU)
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Standardised bedside detection and escalation of acute deterioration in adult inpatients.

Formula

Sum of scored bands for RR, SpO2, temperature, systolic BP, heart rate, supplemental O2 (2) and AVPU (3). Range 0-20. Low 0-4, medium 5-6 or any single 3, high >=7.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Any single parameter scoring 3 warrants urgent review even if the aggregate is low.

References

  1. Royal College of Physicians. National Early Warning Score (NEWS). London: RCP; 2012.
  2. Smith GB, Prytherch DR, Meredith P, et al. Resuscitation. 2013;84(4):465-70.