Newborn Early Warning Systems in Screening and Detection of Neonatal Emergencies: A Bibliometric Analysis
Eri Wijaya, Esti Nugraheny, Suparmi, Siti Masitoh, Sinta Dewi Lestyoningrum, Tin Afifah, Oktarina, Sri Sugiharti, Ning Sulistyowati, Syarmarini Larasati, Wahyu Pudji NugraheniABSTRACT
Background
Neonatal mortality remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where preventable causes account for a significant proportion of deaths. Delayed recognition of clinical deterioration contributes to adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of reliable monitoring tools. Newborn Early Warning Systems (NEWS) have been developed to support early detection of physiological instability and have demonstrated effectiveness in neonatal care settings.
Aim
This study aimed to map the global research landscape on NEWS by analysing publication trends, leading journals, contributing countries and institutions, and emerging thematic areas.
Study Design
A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, with data processed in OpenRefine and analysed using RStudio, VOSviewer and Tableau.
Results
From 1964 to 2025, 346 publications were identified, showing steady annual growth (5.27%) and high citation impact (26.75 citations per document). Research output was predominantly from high‐income countries (74.3%), whereas LMIC contributions remained limited (21.7%). Most studies were hospital‐based, focusing on paediatric critical care and quality improvement.
Conclusions
Keyword analysis revealed four main clusters: clinical monitoring, epidemiology, diagnostics and acute care. Despite growing interest, NEWS studies remain predominantly hospital‐based, highlighting the need for broader evaluation and adaptation in primary and community healthcare settings.
Relevance to Clinical Practice
NEWS supports the early recognition of neonatal deterioration and timely clinical intervention. This analysis highlights the need for further development and implementation of NEWS, particularly in LMICs and non‐hospital settings, to improve neonatal outcomes.