NEWS2 is based on a simple aggregate scoring system in which a score is allocated to six physiological measurements. The score includes:
- Respiratory rate
- Oxygen saturations *
- Systolic blood pressure
- Pulse rate
- Level of consciousness or new confusion **
- Temperature
*For patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure who have clinically recommended saturations 88-92%, the chart has a dedicated section (SpO2 Scale 2). Clinicians should score saturations using Scale 1, unless these circumstances apply.
**AVPU is replaced by ACVPU (where C is confusion). Please note that new-onset confusion (including disorientation, agitation or altered mentation) may be subtle in patients who previously had a normal mental state, as the patient may still be able to respond to questions coherently.
Chart 1: The NEWS2 Scoring System
Chart 2: NEWS2 thresholds and triggers
