Interpretation
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Low: routine monitoring ≥12-hourly |
| 1–4 | Low: ward-based response, 4–6-hourly |
| 3 in one parameter | Low–medium: urgent ward review |
| 5–6 | Medium: urgent response, ≥hourly |
| ≥7 | High: emergency response, continuous monitoring |
Formula
RR ≤8 3, 9–11 1, 12–20 0, 21–24 2, ≥25 3 · SpO₂ Scale 1: ≤91 3, 92–93 2, 94–95 1, ≥96 0 · SpO₂ Scale 2: ≤83 3, 84–85 2, 86–87 1, 88–92 (or ≥93 on air) 0, 93–94 on O₂ 1, 95–96 on O₂ 2, ≥97 on O₂ 3 · Supplemental O₂ 2 · SBP ≤90 3, 91–100 2, 101–110 1, 111–219 0, ≥220 3 · Pulse ≤40 3, 41–50 1, 51–90 0, 91–110 1, 111–130 2, ≥131 3 · New confusion/V/P/U 3 · Temp ≤35.0 3, 35.1–36.0 1, 36.1–38.0 0, 38.1–39.0 1, ≥39.1 2
Clinical pearls
- Use SpO₂ Scale 2 only for patients with confirmed hypercapnic respiratory failure and a prescribed target of 88–92%, as decided by a clinician.
- New confusion scores 3 (the "C" added to AVPU in NEWS2).
- Not validated in children or pregnancy (use PEWS / MEOWS).
Examples
news2 rr 22 sats 93 on oxygen bp 105/60 hr 115 alert temp 38.5news score for RR 16, SpO2 97% on room air, SBP 120, pulse 80, alert, temperature 37NEWS2 copd scale 2 sats 90 on 2L nc rr 18 sbp 130 hr 85 alert temp 36.8
FAQ
What NEWS2 score triggers an emergency response?
A total of 7 or more. A score of 5–6 needs an urgent response, and a 3 in any single parameter needs urgent ward review.
When should SpO₂ Scale 2 be used?
For patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure (e.g. some COPD) who have a prescribed saturation target of 88–92%.
Evidence
- Royal College of Physicians. National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2: Standardising the assessment of acute-illness severity in the NHS. London: RCP, 2017.
- Smith GB et al. The ability of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to discriminate patients at risk of early cardiac arrest, unanticipated ICU admission, and death. Resuscitation 2013;84:465–70.