National Early Warning Score (NEWS)
Last edited 05/2020 and last reviewed 05/2023
The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is a well validated track-and-trigger early warning score system that is used to identify and respond to patients at risk of deteriorating. It is based on a simple scoring system in which a score is allocated to physiological measurements already taken when patients present to, or are being monitored in healthcare settings. The following six simple physiological parameters are included in the scoring system:
| Respiratory | Oxygen Saturation | Temperature |
| Systolic blood pressure |
Pulse rate | Level of consciousness |
A score (0-3) is allocated to each physiological parameter, the magnitude of the score reflecting how extreme the parameter varies from the norm. An additional 2 points are given for people requiring oxygen, giving an aggregate (total) of 0-20. A high NEWS does not provide a diagnosis; but it helps identify a sick patient who is deteriorating and requires urgent clinical review in a standardised way.
Reference:
- RCP (January 2019).Resources to support the adoption of the National Early Warning Score.