NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score 2)
Standardized severity assessment based on seven vital parameters. Used in wards and EDs to detect early deterioration.
About this calculator
NEWS2 is the National Early Warning Score by the Royal College of Physicians UK, updated 2017. Used in hospitals for early detection of deterioration. Seven parameters scored 0-3: respiratory rate, SpO2, supplemental oxygen, temperature, systolic BP, heart rate, AVPU consciousness. Maximum 20. Interpretation. 0 – routine monitoring every 12 hours. 1-4 – routine with reassessment every 4-6 hours. 5-6 or any single parameter at 3 – urgent physician review within 1 hour, rapid response activation. >=7 – critical care team activation, ICU transfer. SpO2 specifics. NEWS2 has two SpO2 scales – standard for most patients and Scale 2 for chronic hypercapnia patients (COPD, target 88-92% instead of 94-98%). Important – in COPD patients standard scale falsely raises scores and leads to over-oxygenation with hypercapnic coma risk. Clinical use. Standard in UK NHS 2017 and across most European countries for early sepsis, respiratory failure, shock detection. Demonstrated 30-day mortality reduction of 15% with systematic use. In COVID-19 patients NEWS2 >=5 correlates with ICU transfer risk. Limitations. Not validated in pregnancy – use MEOWS (Modified Early Obstetric Warning Score). Not for children – PEWS (Pediatric Early Warning Score). In patients with chronic conditions (e.g., severe HF with baseline tachycardia) NEWS2 may falsely raise scores – requires individualized interpretation.
Source
Formula version: rcp-2017-v1