MEWS Score Calculator

Modified Early Warning Score - Assess patient deterioration risk using vital signs

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator should not be used as a substitute for clinical knowledge or judgment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for patient assessment and treatment decisions. In emergency situations, seek immediate medical attention regardless of the MEWS score.

Calculate MEWS Score

mmHg

Normal range: 90-140 mmHg

bpm

Normal range: 60-100 bpm

Normal range: 36.0-37.5°C (96.8-99.5°F)

breaths/min

Normal range: 12-20 breaths/min

MEWS Score Results

0
MEWS Score
(Range: 0-15)
Low
Risk Level
Mortality: 7.9%

Clinical Interpretation

Patient in a stable condition. Continue routine monitoring.

Clinical Recommendation:

Continue routine vital sign monitoring every 4-6 hours. No immediate intervention required.

Score Breakdown

Systolic BP: 0 points
Heart Rate: 0 points
Temperature: 0 points
Respiratory Rate: 0 points
Urine Output: 0 points
AVPU: 0 points
Total MEWS Score: 0 points

Example Case

Case: Post-operative Patient

Patient: 65-year-old post-operative patient, day 2 after surgery

Vital Signs:

  • • Systolic BP: 85 mmHg
  • • Heart Rate: 115 bpm
  • • Temperature: 38.5°C
  • • Respiratory Rate: 24 breaths/min
  • • Urine Output: <0.5 ml/kg/h
  • • AVPU: Responds to voice

MEWS Score Calculation

Systolic BP 85 mmHg: 1 point

Heart Rate 115 bpm: 1 point

Temperature 38.5°C: 1 point

Respiratory Rate 24: 1 point

Urine Output <0.5 ml/kg/h: 1 point

AVPU - Responds to voice: 1 point

Total MEWS Score: 6 (Medium Risk - 12.7% mortality)

MEWS Risk Categories

<3

Low Risk

Stable condition

7.9% mortality risk

3-4

Medium Risk

Signs of deterioration

12.7% mortality risk

≥5

High Risk

Critical condition

30% mortality risk

AVPU Scale

A

Alert

Fully conscious and oriented

V

Voice

Responds to verbal stimulus

P

Pain

Responds only to painful stimulus

U

Unresponsive

No response to any stimulus

When to Use MEWS

General Ward Patients

Regular monitoring and assessment

Post-operative Care

Early detection of complications

COVID-19 Patients

Respiratory compromise assessment

Emergency Department

Triage and risk stratification

Understanding MEWS (Modified Early Warning Score)

What is MEWS?

The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is a bedside clinical tool used to identify patients at risk of deterioration in hospital settings. It evaluates six physiological parameters to provide an objective assessment of patient stability.

Clinical Applications

  • Early detection of patient deterioration
  • Standardized communication between healthcare teams
  • Trigger for escalation protocols
  • Risk stratification and resource allocation

Scoring Components

MEWS = SBP + HR + Temp + RR + Urine + AVPU

  • SBP: Systolic Blood Pressure (circulation)
  • HR: Heart Rate (cardiac function)
  • Temp: Temperature (infection/inflammation)
  • RR: Respiratory Rate (lung function)
  • Urine: Urine Output (kidney function)
  • AVPU: Neurological Response (brain function)

Sensitivity: 75% | Specificity: 83%
Threshold for action: MEWS ≥ 4 points

Clinical Action Points

MEWS 0-2 (Low Risk)

Continue routine monitoring every 4-6 hours

MEWS 3-4 (Medium Risk)

Increase monitoring frequency, consider medical review

MEWS ≥5 (High Risk)

Urgent medical review, consider ICU/HDU transfer