Emergencies
The NEWS2 standardises the assessment of acute physiological severity based on simple vital signs: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and level of consciousness, with an adjustment for supplemental oxygen therapy. It was designed to help detect clinical deterioration and trigger a graded response. It does not replace clinical judgement or local emergency protocols.
Number of questions
6 parameters + oxygen
Approximate duration
2 to 3 minutes if vital signs are available
Population
adults in acute settings; exclusions and adaptations according to local protocols
Modality
clinical score
QuestionnaireNEWS2
CLINICIAN SCORE
The caregiver records six physiological parameters (respiratory rate, SpO₂, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, level of consciousness, temperature), each scored from 0 to 3 points according to defined ranges, and adds 2 points if supplemental oxygen is required.
Are you patient?
NEWS2 must be calculated from reliable vital signs and interpreted within a clinical context. An online score should not delay calling for emergency services or an urgent evaluation.
Terms of contract
The NEWS2 is calculated by a healthcare professional based on vital signs measured and recorded in a single assessment for adults in acute care settings; it is not intended for individuals under 16 years of age or pregnant women. The SpO₂ Scale 2 is only used following an explicit clinical decision, and the score complements clinical judgment rather than replacing it. This online version exclusively uses SpO₂ Scale 1. Scale 2 is not available: it requires confirmed hypercapnic respiratory failure and a clinician-prescribed oxygen saturation target, typically 88–92%. New-onset confusion scores 3 points; isolated chronic cognitive impairment is not sufficient.
Score interpretationNEWS2
Sum of 0 to 3 points per parameter, plus 2 points if supplemental oxygen is used; total score from 0 to 20.
Total score
First reading
0
to
4
0–4, without an isolated parameter of 3: low alert level.
5
to
6
5–6: intermediate risk / urgent response according to protocol.
7
to
20
≥ 7: high risk / enhanced urgent response.
0–4 with no single parameter scoring 3: low; a single parameter = 3: clinical alert requiring an appropriate response; 5–6: medium risk; ≥ 7: high risk.
The exact course of action must follow the facility's or healthcare setting's protocol.
Frequently asked questions
What is NEWS2 used for?
When should the SpO₂ Scale 2 be used?
What are its limitations?
Sources and references
Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
Royal College of Physicians, NEWS2: Standardising the assessment of acute-illness severity in the NHS
In practice
Full name
National Early Warning Score 2
Method
clinical score
Language
Not applicable (clinical score)
Authors
Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
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