Key points
- UpToDate: depth and nuance; BMJ Best Practice: structured speed; NICE/CKS: UK pathway wording and defensibility.
- Your intent should choose your tool — not habit.
- Switch tools only on a defined trigger to avoid wasting time.
If you default to one tool for every question, you’re either going too slow or sacrificing local alignment. The fastest clinicians use a simple decision tree: pick the tool that matches the question type, then stop.
1
Decision 1 — Do you need speed now?
If yes, use a structured point-of-care tool to orient quickly. If no, you can afford deeper reading.
2
Decision 2 — Do you need UK pathway wording?
If yes, ensure your final output aligns with UK style and local pathways. If no, focus on evidence depth.
3
Decision 3 — Are you stuck after 60–90 seconds?
If yes, change your query or switch tools — don’t keep scrolling.
SourceWolters Kluwer: UpToDate overview
Open Link SourceBMJ: BMJ Best Practice overview
Open Link Save your place and choose what comes next
Work through this guide (3 steps)
Use the actions from this article to track what you have worked through.
Sign in using the reading controls above to save your steps.
If yes, use a structured point-of-care tool to orient quickly. If no, you can afford deeper reading.
Return to this sectionIf yes, ensure your final output aligns with UK style and local pathways. If no, focus on evidence depth.
Return to this sectionIf yes, change your query or switch tools — don’t keep scrolling.
Return to this section
United Kingdom · Starting work · Article 21 of 28