Improving Accuracy and Efficiency of NEWS Chart Monitoring in a Forensic Mental Health Unit
Chinwe Vivian Okeke, Kole Swapan, Ishwari SharmaAims:
To improve the accuracy and efficiency of NEWS monitoring by assessing flexibility for parameter recalibration and standardising documentation practices by March 2026.
To ensure NEWS parameters are safely and accurately adjusted for patients with atypical baselines (e.g. on psychotropics), in line with TEWV policy.
Methods:
PDSA Cycle 1 – Completed November 2025
Plan: To understand current NEWS monitoring practice and identify gaps related to accuracy, recalibration flexibility, and efficiency. This was following discussion with colleagues currently working with the secure inpatient services.
Specific objectives:
Assess how frequently NEWS scores are documented electronically and on paper. Determine whether ward systems allow recalibration of NEWS parameters. Identify whether NEWS charts are being used for non-NEWS purposes. Compare practice against TEWV NEWS Policy and NICE guidance.
The expected outcome was to highlight inconsistencies and identify initial improvement opportunities.
Do:
Collected data from five forensic wards using a structured yes/no/na audit tool.