NEWS2
Physiological parameters, oxygen and flag for a parameter scoring 3.
NEWS2 — SpO₂ scale 1
Principle
Quantification of physiological parameters to identify acute deterioration.
Scope
Patients ≥16 years, excluding pregnancy. Usual SpO₂ scale 1. Available values do not replace clinical assessment; a parameter scoring 3 remains flagged even if the total is incomplete.
Interpretation limits
A total of 0–4 does not cancel a parameter scoring 3. A low score does not exclude deterioration. Incomplete score: no total, but a known flag is retained. No automated escalation protocol or sepsis diagnosis.
Formula and logic
NEWS2 = RR + SpO₂ + SBP + HR + ACVPU + temperature + oxygen (0 or 2). Total 0–20; a parameter scoring 3 is flagged separately.
Interpretation
- 0–4
- Total 0–4
- 5–6
- Total 5–6 · medium risk
- 7–20
- Total ≥7 · high risk
Definition version : 0.3.0
Sources
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — barème Chart 1 et seuils Chart 2
2017 · Original RCP 2017 scoring system, six parameters + oxygen; two SpO₂ scales. Original PDF tables visually read on 6 October 2026. Original calculation, without reproducing the chart. Local translation not approved by the RCP: consult the English version before clinical use. Attribution: Royal College of Physicians, National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2, London, RCP, 2017.
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — rapport original, recommandations et échelles SpO₂
2017 · Sections 25–27: confirmed hypercapnia, target 88–92%, documented medical choice of scale 2; ≥16 years, excluding pregnancy. An isolated parameter scoring 3 = a flag distinct from the total.
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — additional implementation guidance
2021 · Clarifications: scale 2 does not follow from COPD alone; the flag and available measurements remain relevant if the score is incomplete.
NEWS2 — SpO₂ scale 2
Principle
Quantification of physiological parameters to identify acute deterioration.
Scope
Patients ≥16 years, excluding pregnancy. SpO₂ scale 2 only for confirmed hypercapnia, target 88–92% and a documented medical decision; not on COPD diagnosis alone. Available values do not replace clinical assessment; a parameter scoring 3 remains flagged even if the total is incomplete.
Interpretation limits
A total of 0–4 does not cancel a parameter scoring 3. A low score does not exclude deterioration. Incomplete score: no total, but a known flag is retained. No automated escalation protocol or sepsis diagnosis.
Formula and logic
NEWS2 = RR + SpO₂ + SBP + HR + ACVPU + temperature + oxygen (0 or 2). Total 0–20; a parameter scoring 3 is flagged separately.
Interpretation
- 0–4
- Total 0–4
- 5–6
- Total 5–6 · medium risk
- 7–20
- Total ≥7 · high risk
Definition version : 0.3.0
Sources
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — barème Chart 1 et seuils Chart 2
2017 · Original RCP 2017 scoring system, six parameters + oxygen; two SpO₂ scales. Original PDF tables visually read on 6 October 2026. Original calculation, without reproducing the chart. Local translation not approved by the RCP: consult the English version before clinical use. Attribution: Royal College of Physicians, National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2, London, RCP, 2017.
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — rapport original, recommandations et échelles SpO₂
2017 · Sections 25–27: confirmed hypercapnia, target 88–92%, documented medical choice of scale 2; ≥16 years, excluding pregnancy. An isolated parameter scoring 3 = a flag distinct from the total.
- Royal College of Physicians — NEWS2 — additional implementation guidance
2021 · Clarifications: scale 2 does not follow from COPD alone; the flag and available measurements remain relevant if the score is incomplete.