An investigation into the use of the NEWS2 in the acute setting.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into the use of the National Early Warning Score 2 in the acute setting: a Realist Evaluation.
IRAS ID
338344
Contact name
Geoff Wong
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 10 months, 17 days
Research summary
While in hospital, patients may deteriorate for several reasons, we know that deterioration is rarely sudden and is typically preceded by changes in the patient’s vital signs. As a result of this, a tool called the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) has been developed and implemented across the NHS. The NEWS2 detects patients who are at risk of deterioration, by generating a score using the patient’s vital signs. The score triggers a response from the user, who will either review the patient themselves and/or get a senior nurse/doctor to review the patient. We know that when used as intended, the NEWS2 can detect most patients at risk of deterioration, and we have seen a significant positive impact on patient care and safety. However, there are still patients whose deterioration is not being recognised in a timely manner, or it is being recognised, but there is a delay in getting them promptly assessed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify how, when, why, for whom, and to what extent the NEWS2 is being used in practice to detect and respond to patient deterioration. The aim of this research is to collect primary data to understand what helps and/or hinders the appropriate use of the NEWS2 in the acute setting. The study uses a realist evaluation design, using several methods of data collection, involving healthcare workers only; 1: Clinical observations, focused on the use of the NEWS2, which will include taking a record of the vital signs and the total score generated from the NEWS2. 2: Follow-up semi-structured realist interviews with observed staff. The study is part of a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Recruitment will be at a large district general NHS Trust.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
26/WA/0025
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion