Modified Early Warning Score
Summarizes vital signs and consciousness to detect early clinical deterioration.
When to use
Triage and serial monitoring of hospitalized adults to recognize deterioration before serious events.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The score adds systolic pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and consciousness.
- A value of 5 or more usually indicates the need for urgent medical review.
- MEWS does not replace clinical judgment or the assessment of trends over time.
- The scale was validated in medical admissions and may perform differently in other populations.
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Formula
Sum the points of five physiologic parameters, each with defined ranges.
Evidence
Modified early warning score validated to identify patients at higher risk of deterioration and death.
References
- Subbe CP, Kruger M, Rutherford P, Gemmel L. Validation of a modified Early Warning Score in medical admissions. QJM. 2001;94(10):521-526. doi:10.1093/qjmed/94.10.521
Frequently asked questions
What is Modified Early Warning Score?
Summarizes vital signs and consciousness to detect early clinical deterioration. Triage and serial monitoring of hospitalized adults to recognize deterioration before serious events.
How is the result calculated?
Sum the points of five physiologic parameters, each with defined ranges.
How should the result be interpreted?
Modified early warning score validated to identify patients at higher risk of deterioration and death.
What are the sources?
Subbe CP, Kruger M, Rutherford P, Gemmel L. Validation of a modified Early Warning Score in medical admissions. QJM. 2001;94(10):521-526.