Dr Sian Russell talks about research into the use of NEWS in care homes. Sian Russell is a postdoctoral research associate at the Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Research title: Implementation of the National Early Warning Score in UK care homes: a qualitative evaluation

Read the paper: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp20X713069

Despite limited evidence for its feasibility and practicality, the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is being implemented in community settings, such as care homes, and primary care. This evaluation of an implementation of NEWS in care homes in northern England adds to the growing debate on the use of NEWS in non-acute settings. Findings indicate that the implementation of NEWS in complex community settings, such as care homes, requires diligent and thoughtful planning. Communication with care home staff and health professionals, such as community nurses and GPs, should be ongoing during intervention development and implementation.