This single-center retrospective analysis shows promising results with NEWS as a screening tool primarily because it can be done at triage and does not require any laboratory evaluation. This study adds to the current knowledge that qSOFA should not be used as a sepsis screening tool as it has poor sensitivity and moderate specificity for short-term mortality. While the methodology of this study is extensively detailed, it is important to note some significant flaws. The author serving as the non-blinded physician reviewing charts through an undescribed standardized process questions its internal validity. This study highlights the accuracy of NEWS and its potential to serve as a useful screening tool for sepsis, however it coincidentally also emphasizes the need for an adjustment of its variables to be more “sepsis appropriate”. The NEWS score was developed to detect inpatients with increased risk of unplanned ICU admission, cardiac arrest and in-hospital death within 24 hours. Although not validated for utility in other settings, this study joins several others advocating for its validation and use in the Emergency Department.

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