National Early Warning Score (NEWS2)

Summary

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was established in 2012 to standardize early detection of patient deterioration in UK hospitals. It assesses six vital signs: pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, temperature, and consciousness. NEWS2 updates include a 'confusion' parameter and a specific chart for oxygen therapy in type two respiratory failure and COPD patients. A score of five in sepsis risk patients prompts sepsis consideration. NEWS is endorsed by NHS England and mandated for acute hospitals, aiming to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🚑 **National Implementation**: NEWS was launched in 2012 as a standardized system across the NHS to improve patient outcomes.
• 🔍 **Early Detection**: It was developed in response to national enquiries into patient deaths to detect illnesses early.
• 📏 **Six Basic Parameters**: NEWS is based on six basic physiological parameters: pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, temperature, and conscious level.
• 📈 **Scoring System**: Variations from the norm in these parameters are scored to measure the severity of illness.
• 🆕 **Update to NEWS2**: In recent updates, NEWS2 was introduced with three new elements to enhance the system.
• 🤒 **New Parameter - Confusion**: 'Confusion' was added as a scoring parameter to identify clinical deterioration.
• 💊 **Oxygen Prescribing Safety**: A dedicated chart was provided for safer oxygen prescribing in patients with type two respiratory failure and COPD.
• 🔬 **Sepsis Threshold**: A NEWS score of five in potentially septic patients prompts consideration of sepsis.
• 👨‍⚕️ **Training Accessibility**: An online training module is available for accreditation in using NEWS.
• 🏥 **Endorsement and Mandate**: NEWS is endorsed by NHS England and mandated for use in acute hospitals and ambulance trusts.
• 📉 **Positive Impact**: NEWS has shown significant reductions in hospital mortality and cardiac arrest rates.

Q & A

What is the National Early Warning Score (NEWS)?

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is a standardized scoring system developed in response to national enquiries into patient deaths in hospitals. It aims to improve patient outcomes by detecting changes in a patient's condition early.

Why was NEWS created?

NEWS was created to standardize early detection methods across the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, ensuring a consistent approach to identifying patient deterioration and improving outcomes.

What are the six basic physiological parameters measured by NEWS?

The six basic physiological parameters measured by NEWS are pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, temperature, and conscious level.

How does the scoring system work in NEWS?

The NEWS scoring system assigns a score to variations from the norm in the six basic physiological parameters. The aggregate of these scores provides a measure of illness severity, which is used for patient triage.

What are the three new elements introduced in NEWS2?

The three new elements introduced in NEWS2 are: 1) Adding 'confusion' as a scoring parameter, 2) Improving the safety of oxygen prescribing with a dedicated chart for patients with type two respiratory failure and COPD, and 3) Recognizing a threshold score of five for patients at risk of sepsis.

Why is 'confusion' an important parameter to include in NEWS2?

'Confusion' is included as a parameter in NEWS2 because it is a powerful sign of clinical deterioration when someone becomes acutely confused due to illness.

How does the dedicated oxygen chart for type two respiratory failure and COPD patients improve safety?

The dedicated oxygen chart for type two respiratory failure and COPD patients improves safety by providing specific guidelines for oxygen prescribing, reducing the risk of complications.

What is the significance of a threshold score of five in patients at risk of sepsis?

A threshold score of five in patients at risk of sepsis prompts healthcare professionals to consider the possibility of sepsis, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.

Who should be using NEWS?

Anyone involved in measuring the physiological parameters in the system should be using NEWS. It is particularly mandated for use in acute hospitals and by acute ambulance trusts.

How can one get trained in using NEWS?

Training for NEWS can be accessed through an online module available on the Royal College of Physicians website or by searching for the National Early Warning Score online.

What are the benefits of implementing NEWS in hospitals?

Implementing NEWS in hospitals can lead to increased safety, faster detection of acute illness deterioration, quicker responses, and improved survival rates for patients with acute illnesses.