Google Scholar | Citations: 1937 | h-index: 18 | i10-index: 52
Digital technologies applied to the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS): evidence for decision-making in nursing
PDF (Portuguese (Brazil))

Keywords

Early warning systems
Health technology
Patient safety
Clinical decision support

How to Cite

Digital technologies applied to the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS): evidence for decision-making in nursing. (2026). Revista Eletrônica Acervo Científico, 26, e25074. https://doi.org/10.25248/reac.e25074.2026

Copyright © | All rights reserved.

The journal holds the exclusive copyright for the publication of this article under the terms of Brazilian law 9610/98.

Partial reproduction
The use of parts of the texts, figures and questionnaire of the article is free, being mandatory the citation of the authors and journal.

Total reproduction
It is expressly prohibited and must be authorized by the journal.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on digital technologies developed for monitoring the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and their contribution to nursing clinical decision-making. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted following six methodological stages. Searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and BDENF databases using controlled and uncontrolled descriptors related to MEWS, nursing, early warning systems, and digital technologies. Original articles published between 2010 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included. Study selection followed the PRISMA 2020 recommendations, and the methodological quality of the included studies was critically appraised. Results: The evidence indicates that these tools contribute to reducing calculation errors, improving the early identification of clinical deterioration, increasing adherence to institutional protocols, and strengthening patient safety. Final considerations: Digital technologies represent an important strategy for optimizing MEWS monitoring, enhancing the quality of nursing care, and supporting early interventions in response to clinical deterioration. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness across different healthcare settings and their integration into routine clinical practice.

PDF (Portuguese (Brazil))

References

BIREME / OPAS / OMS. DeCS - Descritores em Ciências da Saúde. Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), 2026. Disponível em: http://decs.bvsalud.org/. Acesso em: 15 jun. 2026.

CHEN J, et al. Machine learning-based Modified Early Warning Score to predict clinical deterioration in general wards: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2023; 25: e41258.

CLARIVATE. Web of Science Core Collection. Clarivate Analytics, 2026. Disponível em: https://www.webofscience.com/. Acesso em: 20 jun. 2026.

DAVIS M, et al. Digital early warning systems in acute care: A cloud-based platform for risk triage and patient safety enhancement. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 2025; 181: 105290.

DOWNEY CL, et al. Continuous vital signs monitoring using wearable sensors in surgical wards: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2021; 30(9-10): 1345-1355.

ELSEVIER. Scopus Database. Elsevier B.V., 2026. Disponível em: https://www.scopus.com/. Acesso em: 20 jun. 2026.

ESCOBAR GJ, et al. Automated early warning systems and artificial intelligence to predict clinical deterioration: A prospective cohort study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2020; 173(7): 530-538.

GERRY S, et al. Mobile decision support systems for early warning scores: Validation and adherence among nurses in general wards. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 2020; 20(1): 112.

HEN J, et al. Machine learning-based Modified Early Warning Score to predict clinical deterioration in general wards: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2023; 25: e41258.

JONES S, et al. Mobile handheld devices for electronic recording of early warning scores: An intervention study on time efficiency and data accuracy. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2021; 77(4): 1890-1901.

KIM HG, et al. Real-time early warning score alerts in electronic health records and unpredicted cardiac arrest in emergency departments: An observational study. Resuscitation, 2022; 170: 88-95.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE (US). PubMed/MEDLINE Database. National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2026. Disponível em: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Acesso em: 20 jun. 2026.

ODELL M, et al. Digital integration of the Modified Early Warning Score into electronic health records: Reducing manual calculation errors and incomplete documentation. Australian Critical Care, 2019; 32(6): 485-492.

OLIVEIRA RM, et al. Interactive dashboards for Modified Early Warning Score monitoring in emergency care: Impact on nursing management. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 2023; 76(3): e20220412.

OLIVEIRA RM, et al. Interactive dashboards for Modified Early Warning Score monitoring in emergency care: Impact on nursing management. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 2023; 76(3): e20220412.

PIMENTEL MA, et al. Automated early warning scores and continuous remote monitoring in hospitalized patients: Accelerating rapid response team activation. Critical Care Medicine, 2020; 48(8): 1120-1127.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS. National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2: Standardising the assessment of acute-illness severity in the NHS. RCP: London, 2017; p1-60.

SANTOS JR, et al. Mobile application for Modified Early Warning Score calculation and decision support in nursing: Methodological usability study. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 2022; 30: e3680.

SILVA AL, et al. Módulo eletrônico do MEWS no prontuário do paciente: Adesão ao protocolo e segurança do paciente em hospital universitário. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem, 2024; 37: eAPE01583.

SMITH GB, et al. The ability of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to discriminate patients at risk of early cardiac arrest, unanticipated intensive care unit admission or death. Resuscitation, 2013; 84(4): 465-470.

SUBBE CP, et al. Validation of a Modified Early Warning Score in medical admissions. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 2001; 94(10): 521-526.

WHITTEMORE R, KNAFL K. The integrative review: updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005; 52(5): 546-553.