National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) Calculator
The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) is a standardized system used to assess and respond to acute illness. It helps determine the degree of illness of a patient and prompts critical care intervention when needed.
The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2)
The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) is a standardized system developed by the Royal College of Physicians to improve the detection and response to clinical deterioration in patients with acute illness. It was updated in December 2017 from the original NEWS system created in 2012.
NEWS2 is based on a simple scoring system where points are allocated to six physiological measurements taken in routine clinical practice: respiration rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, level of consciousness or confusion, and temperature. The score is then aggregated, and an additional 2 points are added for patients requiring supplemental oxygen.
The NEWS2 system has been endorsed by NHS England and NHS Improvement as the early warning system for identifying acutely ill patients, including those with sepsis, in hospitals across England. It provides a standardized approach to assessing and responding to acute illness, helping healthcare professionals make timely and appropriate clinical decisions.
The higher the NEWS2 score, the greater the clinical risk. Scores are categorized into three levels of clinical risk (low, medium, and high), each triggering a specific clinical response ranging from routine ward-based care to emergency assessment by a clinical team with critical care competencies.
How to Use the NEWS2 Score Calculator
Step 1: Enter Patient’s Vital Signs
Select the appropriate values for each physiological parameter from the dropdown menus. These include respiration rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, level of consciousness, and temperature.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Oxygen Scale
Select either Scale 1 (for patients without hypercapnic respiratory failure) or Scale 2 (for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure, typically due to COPD). Indicate whether the patient is receiving supplemental oxygen.
Step 3: Calculate the Score
Click the “Calculate NEWS2 Score” button to generate the total score. The calculator will automatically sum the points from all parameters to provide the final NEWS2 score.
Step 4: Interpret the Results
Review the calculated score, clinical risk level, and recommended response. The calculator provides a detailed explanation of how the score was calculated and its clinical interpretation to guide appropriate patient care.
Step 5: Reset for New Calculation
Use the “Reset” button to clear all fields when you need to calculate a score for a different patient or to recalculate with updated vital signs.